Enhanced Low Pressure Drop Acoustic Suppressor Nozzle for Inert Gas Discharge Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved acoustic suppressor nozzle for inert gas discharge systems that reduces pressure drop, turbulence, and sound generation while maintaining efficient inert gas flow and fire suppression performance.
Background and Problem Solved
Inert gas fire suppression systems are often limited by high pressure drops, turbulence, and noise generation in the nozzle, which can compromise system performance and safety. The original patent's low pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle, while effective, can still be improved upon. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel design elements that reduce pressure drop, turbulence, and sound generation.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced acoustic suppressor nozzle features a spiral-shaped middle portion in the second conduit to reduce turbulence and pressure loss. Additionally, the nozzle can be configured with a sound-dampening material strategically placed within the flow path to minimize sound power levels. Alternatively, the nozzle can incorporate helical grooves on the inner surface of the second conduit to reduce pressure loss and turbulence. The nozzle's design also allows for a tapered inner surface to reduce flow restriction and pressure drop. These design elements work together to optimize inert gas flow, reduce pressure drop, and minimize sound generation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel design elements, such as the spiral-shaped middle portion, sound-dampening material, helical grooves, and tapered inner surface, which provide a significant reduction in pressure drop, turbulence, and sound generation compared to the original patent. These elements are non-obvious and provide a substantial improvement over the existing art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different spiral patterns, varying sound-dampening materials, or modified helical groove geometries. Additionally, the nozzle could be designed with adjustable flow restrictors or interchangeable sound-dampening inserts to accommodate different system requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced acoustic suppressor nozzle has significant commercial potential in the fire protection industry, particularly in applications where noise reduction and efficient inert gas flow are critical, such as in data centers, museums, and other sensitive environments. The improved design can also be applied to other gas discharge systems, expanding its market reach.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fire suppression systems and acoustic suppressor nozzle design, specifically for inert gas discharge systems. Requires expertise in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, acoustic engineering, and mechanical design of precision flow control components
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in fire protection system design, familiar with fluid flow dynamics, pressure reduction techniques, and acoustic suppression strategies for gas discharge systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering solutions to known challenges in nozzle design, specifically addressing pressure drop and acoustic suppression through standard fluid dynamics modification techniques. The disclosed variations represent incremental improvements using well-understood design strategies that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize nozzle performance. The modifications are fundamentally consistent with the source patent's core technical objectives of reducing pressure loss and improving gas discharge characteristics.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,817 |
|---|---|
| Title | Low pressure drop acoustic suppressor nozzle for inert gas discharge system |
| Assignee(s) | Tyco Fire Products LP |