Portable monitor control system

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that can provide for a portable monitor control. A movement detection triggering system can be disposed between a fluid inlet and the body of the portable monitor, and may be able to restrict or reduce fluid flow when the monitor is moved from its desired position. A trigger arm can be coupled with the inlet, and, when the inlet is pivoted away from a set position, the trigger arm is also moved, which triggers another portion of the control system. A trigger pin is released, which may allow a lever to rotate, allowing a restrictor component to move into place in the fluid flow path, thereby restricting fluid flow.

BACKGROUND

Portable fluid monitors can deliver large amounts of water and other fluids to fires and other target scenarios. They are typically placed on the ground or other appropriate surface and connected to a fluid source, such as a fire truck pumper, by way of a fire hose. Recommended practice has a portable monitor restrained by tethering it to a structure, such as a fire hydrant, utility pole or the like. The restraint is utilized to help maintain the position of the water monitor should the friction between the ground and monitor prove to be insufficient to resist monitor movement caused by the reaction force associated with the fluid exiting the monitor. Periodically, monitor users tend to deviate from recommended practices due to the lack of a suitable restraint structure or other reasons. In these cases, an unrestrained monitor may move from the desired location and/or target, and directing the fluid stream toward an undesired position.

SUMMARY

One or more techniques and systems described herein that can aid in portable monitor control, which may be used in combination with a tethering device. In one implementation, such a system, when triggered, may reduce the flow of fluid from the monitor outlet, which can reduce the opposing reaction force against the monitor. For example, if the monitor moves from its set position, the system may be triggered and the fluid flow output to the monitor can be reduced, which should reduce the opposing reaction force, thereby mitigating the potential undesired effects associated with unrestrained output of fluid at a high rate.

In one implementation of system for improving control of a portable fluid monitor, a trigger body can be operably disposed distally from, and fluidly coupled with, a portable monitor fluid inlet in a pivotable arrangement. Further, a trigger pin can be operably disposed in the trigger body, where the trigger pin normally biased toward the fluid inlet by a biasing component, and the trigger pin sized to extend out of the trigger body. Additionally, a trigger arm can be fixedly engaged with the fluid inlet, where the distal end of the trigger arm is operably engagable with a proximal end of the trigger pin to place the trigger pin in a set position that extends a distal end of the trigger pin from a distal end of the trigger body to provide a lever arm stop. In this implementation, a restrictor component can be operably disposed between the trigger body and the body of the portable monitor.

The restrictor component can comprise a flow restrictor that is disposed in a path of fluid flow. The restrictor component can also comprise an axel shaft fixedly coupled with the flow restrictor and disposed along an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. A restrictor lever arm can be fixedly engaged with the axel shaft with a center of rotation at the axis of rotation. The lever arm may be stopped from rotation when the trigger pin in disposed in the set position, and allowed to rotate when the trigger pin in disposed in a triggered position. The triggered position can occur when the trigger arm is pivoted away from the set position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a portable fluid monitor may move from a desired position and/or target when not appropriately restrained, for example, due to the amount of force utilized to propel fluid from the monitor. For example, an unrestrained monitor may be moved or propelled from its initial point of aim or location by the reaction force associated with the fluid exiting the monitor.

Existing techniques for mitigating this type of movement include attaching a tether to the monitor. Other methods that were previously used include an inertia trigger that can detect acceleration of the monitor from rest, resulting from movement of an internal mass. The movement of the internal mass releases a mechanism that reduces fluid flow in the monitor. Another method uses a mechanism whose operation is initiated by relative movement between the monitor and ground. These prior systems also released a mechanism which reduces fluid flow to the monitor.

A system may be devised, and described herein, that aids in maintaining a position and/or target of a portable monitor, for example, which may be used in combination with a tethering device. In one implementation, in this aspect, a system may be devised that reduces the flow of fluid from the monitor outlet, thereby reducing the opposing reaction force against the monitor. That is, for example, if the monitor moves from its set position, the system may be triggered and the fluid flow output to the monitor can be reduced. In this example, the reduction of the fluid flow output should reduce the opposing reaction force, thereby mitigating the potential movement of the portable monitor further from the set position.

In this aspect, portable monitors use a fire hose to supply fluid to the monitor. Models currently available have the hose connected to the monitor inlet so that rotation is mitigated in a horizontal plane (e.g., or about a vertical axis) between the hose and monitor. In one implementation, in this aspect, the system described herein can permit rotation of this type (e.g., horizontally and or vertically), and can use such rotation to automatically trigger reduction of the fluid flow (e.g., and associated reaction force) to a different level, for example. As an example, during normal operation there is typically no movement of the monitor, and no such rotation, as water flow continues unabated. In one example, rotation away from center may occur during monitor movement, which, in turn, can be used to trigger the device described herein.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare component diagrams illustrating one implementation of an example system100for providing a portable monitor control. InFIGS. 1A and 1B, an example monitor150is a fluid outlet for water or other fluid. The monitor150has an inlet154through which the fluid is provided. Often, an anchor156device is used to secure the monitor150to a surface on which the monitor is disposed, such as the ground, a vehicle or the like. One of more feet158can be used to stabilize the monitor150in place during use. In this implementation, the exemplary system100comprises a portable monitor control device102, which is fluidly coupled between the inlet154and the monitor150. Further, a fluid control160can be used to control the flow of fluid through the monitor150; and a stabilizer162can be used to hold and/or aim the outlet of the monitor150.

FIG. 2is a component diagram illustrating a perspective view of the monitor control device102. The monitor control device102can act as a flow restrictor when triggered, such as when movement of the monitor out of a predetermined range of movement, is detected. The monitor control device102comprises an inlet202fluidly coupled with the monitor inlet154, and an outlet204fluidly coupled with the monitor150. A restrictor plate206(e.g., a butterfly disk or the like) can allow fluid flow in an open position, and restrict fluid flow in a closed position.

A manual control knob208can be used to reset the device to an active position, such as upon set up, and/or after activation. An indicator210can provide a visual indication when the control device102has been activated (e.g., restriction of flow), and when the device102is set (e.g., in normal fluid flow operation). As an example, the indicator may display red (or some other appropriate color) when activated, and green when set. The knob208can comprise raised portions (e.g., ribs) that can also be used as a visual and tactile indicator. For example, when the restrictor plate206is disposed in an open position the ribs may be disposed inline with the fluid flow; and when the ribs are offset from the line of flow, this can be an indication that the restrictor plate206is in a closed position (e.g., the device has been activated or triggered).

As illustrated inFIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5, with continued reference toFIG. 1-2, the example monitor control device102can comprise a trigger302that is fixedly engaged with the inlet202. In one implementation, the trigger302can be engaged with a trunnion304disposed on a portion of the inlet202. For example, the trigger302can be operably coupled with the trunnion304at a base portion of the trigger302that is engaged with the inlet202. Further, as illustrated, the trigger302can be coupled with the inlet portion of monitor at a proximal end of the trigger302. In this way, for example, with the proximal end of the trigger302operably disposed in a fixed engagement with the inlet202, and pivotably engaged with the trunnion304, the trigger302may be able to rotate relative to the inlet202. That is, for example, the inlet202of the monitor150may be disposed in a pivotable320(e.g., ball and socket) arrangement with a trigger body portion310of the device102. In this example, if the inlet portion202pivots from a centrally aligned arrangement (e.g., horizontally or vertically) with the trigger body portion310, the trigger302can also pivot away from the central alignment. In one implementation, a distal end of the trigger302, which engages with the proximal end of the trigger302, can comprise a component that provides for a desirable amount of friction, or lack thereof. That is, as an example, a roller component322may be utilized to allow disengagement under appropriate conditions. Other types of engagement components may be used, including different materials, bearings, etc. that allows for a desired resistance for the application.

Further, the exemplary device102can comprise a trigger pin312disposed in the housing body314. Further, a biasing force may be applied to the trigger pin312in the direction opposite the flow of fluid (e.g., toward the monitor inlet). The biasing force may be applied by a biasing component402, such as a spring, clip, or other appropriate force application component. As an example, the biasing component can be operably disposed in the trigger body, and operably engaged with the trigger pin312in the housing to apply to biasing force toward the inlet. In this way, for example, the trigger pin312will tend to be driven toward the inlet portion202of the monitor, absent some stop that mitigates the pin movement. In that way, when the trigger moves away from center, for example, the trigger pin312will be forced toward the inlet, and a control arm316can rotate past the location of the trigger pin312. The control arm316can be fixedly engaged with the restrictor plate206, and rotate the restrictor plate206between open and closed. That is, for example, when the device102is set (open fluid flow) the trigger pin holds the control arm316in an open position. In this example, when the trigger pin312is forced toward the inlet, the control arm316rotates, which rotates the restrictor plate to a closed position (e.g., rotates clockwise inFIG. 3B).

FIGS. 6 and 7are component diagrams illustrating another implementation of an example system700for providing a portable monitor control. In this implementation, the rotation of the monitor away from center can be detected and used to trigger fluid flow reduction. The example, system700can comprise a trigger body702that houses one or more parts of the trigger mechanism. The exemplary system700can comprise a trigger pin704disposed in the housing body706. Further, a biasing force may be applied to the trigger pin704in the direction opposite the flow of fluid (e.g., toward the monitor inlet). The biasing force may be applied by a biasing component, such as a spring, clip, or other appropriate force application component. As an example, the biasing component can be operably disposed in the trigger body702, and operably engaged with the trigger pin704in the housing706to apply to biasing force toward the inlet720. In this way, for example, the trigger pin704will tend to be driven toward the inlet portion of the monitor, absent some stop that mitigates the pin movement.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the exemplary system700can comprise a trigger arm708, which can be fixedly engaged with the inlet720. In one implementation, the trigger arm708can be engaged with a trunnion710disposed on a portion of the inlet720. For example, the trigger arm708can be operably coupled with the trunnion710at a central portion of the trigger arm708. Further, as illustrated, the trigger arm708can be coupled with the inlet portion of monitor at a proximal end of the trigger arm708. In this way, for example, with the proximal end of the trigger arm708operably disposed in a fixed engagement with the inlet portion, and centrally, pivotably engaged with the trunnion710, the trigger arm708may be able to rotate relative to the trigger body702. That is, for example, the inlet portion720of the monitor may be disposed in a pivotable (e.g., ball and socket) arrangement with the trigger body702portion of the monitor. In this example, if the inlet portion720pivots from a centrally aligned arrangement (e.g., horizontally or vertically) with the trigger body702portion, the trigger arm708can also pivot away from the central alignment. In one implementation, a distal end of the trigger arm708, which engages with the proximal end of the trigger pin704, can comprise a component that provides for a desirable amount of friction, or lack thereof. That is, as depicted, a roller component may be utilized to allow disengagement under appropriate conditions. Other types of engagement components may be used, including different materials, bearings, etc. that allows for a desired resistance for the application.

InFIGS. 6 and 7, the exemplary system can comprise a restrictor lever arm712that is operably engaged with a flow restrictor714disposed in the flow path of the fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the body of the monitor. As one example, the flow restrictor714may be a valve such as a butterfly valve that restricts the flow of fluid in a closed position (e.g., or at least partially closed positions). In one exemplary implementation, the restrictor lever arm712can be operably coupled with a butterfly-style disk that is disposed in the fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the body of the monitor. In a first position (e.g., generally, or at least mostly, open), the butterfly-style disk can allow substantially unabated flow of the fluid from the inlet to the monitor body; and in a second position (e.g., generally, or at least partially, closed), the butterfly disk may restrict flow of the fluid from the inlet to the monitor body. Further, in one implementation, the restrictor lever arm712can be disposed in a first position (e.g., open) and a second position (e.g., closed), which respectively correspond the first and second positions of the butterfly disk.

In this implementation, as an example, the butterfly disk is disposed in the fluid flow. When disposed with a proximal face toward an axel (e.g., as pictured, the axis of rotation of the disk and restriction lever arm), the force of the fluid flow against the butterfly disk tends to act upon the disk surface to cause it to rotate to the closed (second position). That is, for example, during operation, with fluid flowing, the default position of the butterfly disk (e.g., and hence the restrictor lever arm) would be the second position (e.g., closed). In this implementation, to set the exemplary control system700in a desired operational position, the distal end of the trigger pin704is extended out of the distal end of the trigger body702, thereby engaging the restrictor lever arm712, and acting as a stop. That is, the extension of the trigger pin704stops the restrictor lever arm712from rotating past the trigger pin704, which, in turn stops the butterfly disk from rotating to the second position, in operable flow.

As an illustrative example, inFIGS. 6 and 7, the example trigger assembly device (e.g.,700) is shown in a desired operating position for a fluid flow condition from the inlet to the monitor body. In this illustrative example, during operation the restrictor lever arm712is held in the first or “open” position, as shown by the position of the trigger pin704extending from the distal end of the trigger body702. In this example, if not for the illustrated and operable disposition of the trigger pin704, the restrictor lever arm712would rotate and to the second or “closed” position, due to fluid flow forces applied to the butterfly disk by the water flowing past the disk. Alternately, in one implementation, a torsion spring718may be operably engaged with the axel (e.g., or butterfly disk), and apply a rotational biasing force to the butterfly disk. In this implementation, the biasing force of the torsion spring718can move the restrictor lever arm712(e.g., and butterfly disk) to between the first and second positions. In another implementation, the force of the fluid flow combined with the biasing force of the torsion spring718may be able to move the restrictor lever arm712(e.g., and butterfly disk) to between the first and second positions.

Further, in this illustrative example, the trigger pin704can be spring loaded, biasing the pin away from the restrictor lever arm712. As illustrated, the trigger pin704is held in the position, against the biasing force of the trigger biasing component, as shown, by the trigger arm708, which keeps the biasing component compressed. As shown inFIG. 7, in this illustrative example, the butterfly disk can be seen in the first or “open” position. As illustrated, the disk714is coupled to the restrictor lever arm712by an axel or shaft724, which is disposed along an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is the same for the butterfly disk714and the restrictor lever arm712.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bare component diagrams that illustrate an example of the systems, described herein, in use. In this example,FIG. 8Adepicts and exemplary system800disposed in an operable condition that allows unrestricted fluid flow from the inlet802to the monitor body804. Further, in this example,FIG. 8Bdepicts the exemplary system800disposed in a triggered condition that restricts fluid flow between the inlet802to the monitor body804. In this example, the portable monitor can be coupled with a control tether (e.g.,156ofFIG. 1A), as may be positioned during use. Further, in this example, the monitor can be coupled with a fire hose to supply fluid (e.g., water) to the monitor.

In this example, one or more portions of the control system800, described herein, are disposed between the fire hose and the body of the portable monitor804. The example, system800can comprise a monitor inlet802, which may be pivotably coupled with the trigger body804, and operably coupled with the fire hose. Further, the example system800can comprise the trigger arm806pivotably engaged with a trunnion808. Further, the trigger arm806can be fixedly engaged with the monitor inlet802. In this example, inFIG. 8A, the distal end of the trigger arm806is operably, selectably engaged with the proximal end of the trigger pin810. In this arrangement, the biasing component disposed in the trigger body housing804, may be disposed in a compressed condition, due to the engagement of the trigger arm806with the trigger pin810. Additionally, the distal end of the trigger pin812is extended from the distal end of the trigger body804. In this configuration, the distal end of the trigger pin812acts as a stop for the restrictor arm lever814, such that it is stopped from rotation (e.g., in this depiction, in a clockwise direction). In that way, for example, the butterfly disk (not shown) is disposed in an open position (e.g., first position), allowing substantially unabated fluid flow between the hose and the monitor body.

As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the exemplary system800is disposed in a tripped or activated condition. In this example, movement of the monitor804may result in the hose/inlet connection to pivot820(e.g., rotate about the vertical or horizontal axe). In this example, the pivoting at this junction can result in rotation of the trigger arm806, disengaging it from the trigger pin810. As described, when the trigger arm806is disengaged, the biasing force applied to the trigger pin810will cause the trigger pin to retract into the trigger body804, thereby removing the lever stop for the restrictor lever arm814. As described above, due to the force of the fluid flow, without the lever stop, the butterfly disk will rotate to its default or closed position (e.g., second position). As a result, the restriction provided by the butterfly disk results in a reduction in flow (e.g., and therefore opposing reaction force), which may result in mitigation of the movement of the monitor, for example. As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the monitor and exemplary control trigger system is shown in the tripped condition. This illustrative example depicts the assembly after a monitor rotation relative to the hose has occurred.

The exemplary system, as described herein, can be used as described, to merely reduce the flow of water to the point where the reaction force is reduced, to mitigate the change of position and/or target of the monitor. In this implementation, the pressure surge associated with the sudden reduction of flow is reduced to a desired level.

In an alternate implementation, the control system, described herein, may be configured to automatically stopping the flow entirely. In this implementation, a means of reducing the potential pressure spike may be utilized, separately. Further, in this implementation, a means may be provided to allow the firefighter to manually reduce the flow, while not disabling the control trigger mechanism described.