WO2016065392A1

WO2016065392A1 - Vehicle fire suppression system

Info

Publication number: WO2016065392A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norman Ian Mathers
Original assignee: Norman Ian Mathers
Priority date: 2014-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2016-05-06

Abstract

Various vehicle systems that can be utilized as fire suppression systems are disclosed. According to one example, the vehicle system can include a power steering system (116) and a fire suppression system (114). The power steering system (116) can be coupled to a vane pump (122). The power steering system (116) can be configured to flow a pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump (122) to augment a steering effort of the vehicle in a first operating mode. The fire suppression system can be coupled to the vane pump (122). The fire suppression system can be configured to dispense the pressurized non- flammable liquid from the vane pump (122) to a fire on the vehicle in a second operating mode.

Description

VEHICLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[00011 This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/068,963, filed October 27, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present patent application relates to fire suppression systems, and more particularly, to vehicle fire suppression systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A variety of fire suppression systems are known and can employ different types of fire suppressants. In general, the fire suppression system best employed on a fire will depend on the nature of the fire. An aqueous film forming foam ( AFFF) system, for example, can be effective on class "A" common combustibles as well as both hydrocarbon and polar solvent types of class "B" flammable liquids.

[0004] Vehicle fire suppression systems have been developed. In general, these systems direct fire suppressant at a fire that can start in the vehicle engine. Typically, vehicle fire suppression systems have short durations. Thus, they may not supply suppressants for long enough and/or with sufficient quantity to fully suppress a fire in some circumstances. Additionally, vehicle fire suppression systems are typically activated after some amount of delay, such as after engine operation has ceased due to the fire.

OVERVIEW

[0005] Various systems are disclosed that can be used for fire suppression aboard a vehicle. In some cases, these systems can be used concurrently with other fire suppression systems, and can act as redundancy systems to better ensure a fire is fully extinguished. In some cases, the systems can utilize a vane pump that is operational as part of a power steering system of the vehicle, as well as the fire suppression system. Thus, the vane pump can be configured to generate flow of a non-flammable fluid that can comprise both a hydraulic fluid as well as a fire suppression fluid. Additionally, because the systems can utilize liquid from other vehicle hydraulic systems (e.g., the power steering system), the systems can draw upon a relatively large reservoir (e.g., 40 litres) of liquid, which enables an extended suppression time even up to minutes in duration. Additional examples can use other vehicle components, such as an air compressor of a brake system, as part of the fire suppression system.

[0006] The present inventor has recognized that traditional vehicle fire suppression systems can lack redundancy, can have a relatively short duration and insufficient quantity that renders them inadequate for full fire suppression, and may not be operable during a period when the fire initially starts and the engine of the vehicle is operating. In view of these concerns, the present inventor has recognized various fire suppression systems that can be utilized to address some or all of these concerns. Thus, the present inventor has recognized that fire suppression systems can be provided with various features and components including the aforementioned vane pump that is operational as part of a power steering system, or other hydraulically powered system of the vehicle, as well as the fire suppression system. These systems can be used concurrently with other fire suppression systems, and can act as redundancy systems to better ensure a fire event is fully extinguished.

[0007] These and other examples and features of the present devices, systems, and methods will be set forth in part in the following Detailed Description. This overview is intended to provide a summary of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive removal of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0009] FIG. 1 is schematic view of a vehicle system that includes a fire suppression system according to an example of the present application. [0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a vehicle system that includes a fire suppression system according to an example of the present application.

[00111 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a vehicle system that includes a fire suppression system according to an example of the present application.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a vehicle system that includes a fire suppression system according to an exampl e of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present application relates to vehicle systems that can be used for fire suppression aboard a vehicle. In some cases, the systems used for fire compression share components with other vehicle systems (e.g., a power steering system, an air brake system). In one example, the vehicle system can comprise both a power steering system and a fire suppression system. The power steering system can be coupled to a vane pump and configured to flow a pressurized nonflammable liquid from the vane pump to augment a steering effort of the vehicle in a first operating mode. The fire suppression system can also be coupled to the vane pump. The fire suppression system can be configured to dispense the pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to a fire on the vehicle in a second operating mode. Other examples, including an example that utilizes an air compressor as an actuator for the fire suppression system are also disclosed.

[0014] Other examples not specifically discussed herein with reference to the FIGURES can be utilized. The disclosed vehicle systems are applicable to commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, agriculture machines, earth moving equipment, waste collection vehicles, fishing trawlers, cranes, etc.) as well as private vehicles.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a highly schematic view of a system 10 aboard a vehicle 12. As will be discussed subsequently, the system 10 can include a fire suppression system 14 and a power steering system 16. The vehicle 12 can include a torque source such as an engine 18. In other instances, the torque source can comprise another type of device such as a flywheel, electric motor, etc. The engine 10 is coupled to output torque and/or power to a transmission 20 or another powertrain component. A pump 22 can be coupled to the

transmission 20 to be driven by the torque carried thereby. In some cases, the pump can comprise a plurality of pumps. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 , the pump 22 can be controlled by valve(s), couplings, etc, to selectively transmit power or absorb power for future use as will be discussed with regard to the example of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the transmission 20 is coupled to an additional vehicle system such as the aforementioned power steering system 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the pump 22 can operate as a hydraulic pump, and thus, operates as part of a hydraulic system for the vehicle 12. Thus, the pump 22 is illustrated as being in fluid communication with the power steering system 16 by dashed line in FIG. 1. However, in other instances the pump 22 can be utilized with other hydraulically operated systems such as cooling fan drives, dumper systems, etc. in addition to or in alternative to the power steering system 16. A valve 24 can be disposed along the fluid line to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump 22 to the power steering system 16.

[0017] In some cases, the pump 22 can comprise a vane pump having a roller tip. Such a vane pump is disclosed in, for example, United States Patent Application Publication 2013/0067899A1 and United States Patents 7,955,062, 8,597,002, and 8,708,679 owned by the Applicant and are incorporated herein by reference. Vane pumps can be used to pump hydraulic fluids in many different types of machines for different purposes. The vane pump can have a housing or journal with a chamber formed therein. A rotor can be rotatably mounted in the journal. The rotor can typically have a generally cylindrical shape and the chamber has a shape such that one or more rise and fall regions are formed between an outer wall of the rotor and an inner wall of the chamber. In the rise regions, a larger space can open between the outer wall of the rotor and the inner wall of the chamber. On the leading side of the rise region, there can exist a region which is substantially a dwell, although in usual practice there can exist a small amount of fall. This is sometimes called a major dwell or major dwell region. The major dwell is followed by a fall region, in which the space between the outer wal l of the rotor and the inner wall of the chamber decreases. The rotor normally can have a number of slots and moveable vanes can be mounted in the slots. As the rotor rotates, centrifugal forces can cause the vanes to move to an extended position as they pass through the rise regions. As the vanes travel along the fall regions, the vanes are forced to move to a retracted position by virtue of the rotors contacting the inner wall of the chamber as they move into a region of restricted clearance between the rotor and chamber. Hydraulic fluid lubricates the vanes and the inner wall of the chamber. The acti on of the pump creates a flow in the fluid used in the hydraulic system.

[0018] Applicant's vane pump can be operable to generate flow in different types of fluids including non-flammable fluids (e.g., water). Thus, in some instances such as when the vehicle is operating in a first mode, the vane pump (the pump 22) can be used as part of a hydraulic system (e.g., as part of power steering system 16) to generate flow. Additionally, the pump 22 can be used as part of the fire suppression system 14.

[0019] It should be noted that the fire suppression system 14 can be used concurrently or in tandem with other fire suppression systems such as a system 50, and can act as a redundancy system to better ensure a fire event is fully extinguished. Thus, in some instances the system 50 can comprise a primary fire suppression system, which can be configured to be operable when the engine 18 of the vehicle 12 is operational, not operational or in both circumstances. The fire suppression system 14 can comprise a secondary fire suppression system and can be configured to by operable when the engine 18 is operational. As will be discussed subsequently, the fire suppression system 14 can be configured to dispense the non-flammable liquid to the engine 18.

[0020] As illustrated by dashed lines in FIG. 1 , during the first operating mode with no fire event, the pump 22 can cause flow of the non-flammable liquid from a reservoir 26 such as a tank on the vehicle 12. As illustrated, the power steering system 16 can be fluidly coupled to the vane pump 22 via the valve 24. The power steering system 16 can be configured to flow the pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump 22 to augment a steering effort of the vehicle 12. The non-flammable liquid can pass back to the reservoir 26 as illustrated in FIG. 1 for reuse.

[0021] In instances where a fire is detected, the valve 24 can be actuated to a second position that diverts the flow of the pressurized non-flammable liquid away from the power steering system 16 to the fire suppression system 14. The non-flammable liquid passes through the valve 24 to a mixing device 28 that is part of the fire suppression system 14. According to one example, the mixing device 28 can be configured to create a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) solution and/or concentrate. Such AFFFs can be water-based and can frequently contain hydrocarbon-based surfactant such as sodium alkyl sulfate, and fiuorosurfactant such as fiuorotelomers, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctanesulfomc acid (PFOS) and/or a polysaccharide or natural proteins in or as the foaming agent. Further known foaming agents in concentrated form are contemplated. The fire suppression system 14 can additionally comprise a nozzle 30 configured to dispense the mixture of the foaming agent and the non-flammable liquid to the engine 18.

[0022] Because the fire suppression system 14 can utilize liquid from other vehicle hydraulic systems (e.g., the power steering system, a fan drive system, a dumper system, etc), the fire suppression system can draw upon the relatively large reservoir 26 (e.g., 40 litres in some instances) of liquid. This enables an extended suppression time even up to minutes in duration. For example, with the reservoir 26 able to hold 40 litres and with a 12 litre per minute pump, the fire suppression system 14 will operate to dispense for over 2 minutes. Thus, in addition to offering double redundancy if used in tandem wi th another fire suppression system, the above system 10 can extend suppression time over existing systems that have a relatively shorter operating time. Thus, the fire suppression system 14 is better able to fully extinguish fires with less chance of re-ignition.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a system 110 similar in construction to the previously discussed system 10 (FIG. 1). In particular, the system 1 10 can include a fire suppression system 1 14, a power steering system 1 16, an engine 1 18, a pump 122, a reservoir 126, a mixing device 128, and a nozzle 130 similar to as previously discussed. However, the system 110 can include additional components such as a filter 132 and a controller 134. The filter 132 can be placed upstream or downstream of the reservoir 126, for example. The controller 134, when activated, can be configured to divert pressurized nonflammable liquid flow to the mixing device 128 and spray nozzle(s) 130. The controller 134 can control a device such as a valve, for example. The controller 134 can comprise a dedicated controller that communicates with one or more sensors on the vehicle (e.g., in the engine compartment). In other instances, the controller 134 can communicate with or be part of additional vehicle controllers such as the vehicle electrical control unit (ECU), etc. [0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a system 210 similar in construction to the previously discussed systems 10 and 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The system 210 can include a fire suppression system 214, a power steering system 216, an engine 218, a pump 222, a reservoir 226, a mixing device 228, a nozzle 230, a filter 232, and a controller 234 similar to as previously discussed. The system 210 can also include additional components such as a coupling 236 and a proportional pressure control 238. In some instances, the hydraulic fluid that is used by the coupling 236 is passed through a heat exchange such as a radiator 244 prior to flowing back to the reservoir 226.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 3, the coupling 236 can be selectively coupled to and decoupled from the engine 218 (coupling 236 generally couples to the engine 218 via a transmission or similar geartrain). In particular, coupling 236 transmits rotary motion from an input of the coupling 236 to an output of the coupling 236. In various examples, the coupling 236 can be hydraulically controlled, such as with a pilot signal or another mechanism, to control fixing a torque input of the coupling 236 and a torque output of the coupling 236 such that a rotational torque on the input is transmitted to the output. In response to a further pilot signal the coupling can be controlled to unfix the input and the output to allow the input of the coupling 236 and the output of the coupling 236 to rotate independently. Further discussion of the coupling 236 and the proportional pressure control 238 can be found in United States Patent

Application Publication 2013/0067899 Al, which is owned by the Applicant and is incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coupling 236 can be used to selectively couple and decouple an engine fan 240. Thus, in instances where a fire is detected, the vehicle ECU 242 can signal the proportional pressure control 238, which can actuate the coupling 236 to decouple the engine 218 from the engine fan 240. Decoupling of the engine fan 240 from the engine 218 can stop rotation of the fan blades such that fire retardant (e.g., foam) is not blown away from the engine 218 (or other portions of the vehi cle) and oxygen supply to the fire is reduced.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates another vehicle system 310 that can include a fire suppression system 314. The system 310 can include some components similar to those of systems 10, 1 10, and 210 (FIGS. 1 -3) but can also include different components. Thus, the system 310 can include previously discussed

components such as an engine 318, reservoir 326, a mixing device 328, and a nozzle 330. The system 310 can also include an air compressor 340, an air receiver 342, a first controller 344, an air bladder 346, and a second controller 348.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 4, the air compressor 340 communicates with the bladder 346 through the air receiver 342. Thus, the air receiver 342 can be operable to receive pressurized air from the air compressor 340 and may be configured to store pressurized air. The air receiver 342 can be disposed between the air compressor 340 and the reservoir 346. The system 310 can be configured to supply air sufficient to maintain 1 to 5 psi of pressure to an inlet of the reservoir 326/bladder 346. This can be accomplished by the first controller 344, which can control a valve or similar device to be opened (e.g., partially) to allow a relatively small amount of pressurized air to the inlet. This arrangement can be used to reduce the likelihood of contamination entering the reservoir 326 and can additionally reduce or present water evaporation. The first controller 344 can comprise a dedicated controller that communicates with one or more sensors on the vehicle (e.g., in the engine compartment). In other instances, the first controller 344 can communicate with or be part of additional vehicle controllers such as the vehicle electrical control unit (ECU), etc. If a fire is detected, the first controller 344 can control the valve or similar device to a more open position to allow the air bladder 346 to fully inflate.

[0029] The air bladder 346 can be disposed within the reservoir 326. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the air bladder 346 can be fully inflated to displace a nonflammable liquid from the reservoir 326 with sufficient pressure to operate the foaming system where a fire on the vehicle has been detected. The nonflammable liquid may pass from the reservoir through one or more valves or similar devices controlled by the second controller 348 before passing to the mixing device 328 and the nozzle 330. Similar to the first controller 344, the second controller 348 can comprise a dedicated controller that communicates with one or more sensors on the vehicle (e.g., in the engine compartment). In other instances, the second controller 346 can communicate with or be part of additional vehicle controllers such as the vehicle electrical control unit (ECU), etc. [0030] In some cases, the air compressor 340 can be operable with other systems of the vehicle. For example, the air compressor 340 can be operable as a component of an air brake system of the vehicle. The air recei ver 342 can comprise a tank of sufficient size and construction and can be configured to contain air even when air compressor 340 is not operable (e.g., due to the engine 318 not operating).

[00311 Although the system 310 described can operate when the engine 318 is not operating because the air receiver 342 is pressurized, in some instances additional other fire suppression systems can be used in tandem with the fire suppression system 314. Any water containing reservoir on the vehicle can be used with the fire suppression system 314. Thus, in instances where the vehicle comprises a motor home or bus, water for toilet/shower/vanities, grey water etc. can be utilized.

[0032] Although specific configurations of the systems shown in FIGS. 1-4 and particularly described above, other system designs that fall within the scope of the claims are anticipated. For example, the systems di scussed could be combined to provide for both a fire suppression system when the engine is operating and a fire suppression system when the engine is not operating.

[0033] According to one example, a vehicle system is disclosed. The vehicle system can include a power steering system and a fire suppression system. The power steering system can be coupled to a vane pump. The power steering system can be configured to flow a pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to augment a steering effort of the vehicle in a first operating mode. The fire suppression system can be coupled to the vane pump. The fire suppression system can be configured to dispense the pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to a fire on the vehicle in a second operating mode.

[0034] In some cases, the fire suppression system can include a device configured to generate a mixture of a foam concentrate with the non-flammable liquid. The fire suppression system can have a nozzle configured to dispense the mixture to the engine. A fan drive coupling can be coupled to a fan of the engine, and the fan drive coupling can be configured to disengage the fan during the second operating mode. A controller can be operable to control engagement and disengagement of the fan drive coupling to the fan. The fire suppression system can comprise a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system. The fire suppression system can be operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating. The non-flammable liquid can comprise water. A reservoir can communicate with the vane pump, the reservoir can be adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid.

[0035] According to another example, a system for vehicle fire suppression is disclosed. The system can include a vane pump and a nozzle. The vane pump can be coupled to a transmission of the vehicle and configured to pressurize a non-flammable liquid. The nozzle can be configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehicle in the event of a fire during engine operation. In some cases the non-flammable liquid can comprise a hydraulic fluid for a power steering system of the vehicle.

[0036] In some cases, the fire suppression system can comprise a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system. The fire suppression system can be operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating. The non-flammable liquid can comprise water. A reservoir can communicate with the vane pump, the reservoir can be adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid. In some cases, the system can include a primary fire suppression system configured to be operable when an engine of the vehicle is not operational, and a secondary fire suppression system configured to by operable only when the engine is operational.

[0037] According to yet another disclosed example, a system for vehicle fire suppression is disclosed. The system can include an air compressor, a reservoir, and a nozzle. The reservoir can be configured to contain a non-flammable liquid and air bladder adapted to communicate with the air compressor, the air bladder configured to inflate with air supply from the air compressor. The nozzle can be configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehi cle in the event of a fire. The air compressor can be operable as a component of a brake system of the vehicle. An air receiver can be operable to receive air from the air compressor and disposed between the air compressor and the reservoir. The system can be operable for fire suppression when an engine of the vehicle is not operational. The system can be configured to supply air sufficient to maintain 1 to 5 psi of pressure to an inlet of the reservoir.

[0038] To further illustrate the apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed herein, the following non-limiting examples are provided:

[0039] According to Example 1 , a vehicle system can include a power steering system and a fire suppression system. The power steering system can be coupled to a vane pump. The power steering system can be configured to flow a pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to augment a steering effort of the vehicle in a first operating mode. The fire suppression system can be coupled to the vane pump. The fire suppression system can be configured to dispense the pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to a fire on the vehicle in a second operating mode.

[0040] In Example 2, the system of Example 1 , wherein the hydraulically powered system can be a power steering system.

[0041] In Example 3, the system any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 2, the fire suppression system can further comprise a device configured to generate a mixture of a foam concentrate with the non-flammable liquid.

[0042] In Example 4, the system of Example 3, wherein the fire suppression system can further comprise a nozzle configured to dispense the mixture to the engine.

[0043] In Example 5, the system of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 4, can further comprise a fan drive coupling coupled to a fan of the engine, wherein the fan drive coupling can be configured to disengage the fan during the second operating mode.

100441 In Example 6, the system of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 5, can further comprise controller operable to control engagement and disengagement of the fan drive coupling to the fan.

[0045] In Example 7, the system of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the fire suppression system can comprise a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system.

[0046] In Example 8, the system of Example 7, wherein the fire suppression system is operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating. [0047] In Example 9, the system of any one or any combination of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the non-flammable liquid can comprise water.

[0048] In Example 10, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 1 to 9, can further comprise a reservoir communicating with the vane pump, the reservoir adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid.

[0049] In Example 1 1 , a system for fire suppression in a vehicle, the system can comprise a vane pump and a nozzle. The vane pump can be coupled to a transmission of the vehicle and configured to pressurize a non-flammable liquid. The nozzle can be configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehicle in the event of a fire during engine operation. The non-flammable liquid can comprise a hydraulic fluid of the vehicle.

[0050] In Example 12, the system of Example 1 1 , wherein the fire suppression system can comprise a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system.

[0051] In Example 13, the system of Example 12, wherein the fire

suppression system can be operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating.

[0052] In Example 14, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 1 1 to 13, wherein the non-flammable liquid can comprise water.

[0053] In Example 15, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 1 1 to 14, can further comprise a reservoir communicating with the vane pump, the reservoir adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid.

[0054| In Example 16, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 1 1 to 15, the system can further comprise a primary fire suppression system configured to be operable when an engine of the vehicle is not operational, and the system as recited in Example 1 1 can comprises a secondary fire suppression system configured to by operable only when the engine is operational.

[0055] In Example 17, a system for fire suppression in a vehicle, the system can comprise an air compressor, a reservoir and a nozzle. The reservoir can be configured to contain a non-flammable liquid and an air bladder, the air bladder adapted to communicate with the air compressor and configured to inflate with air supplied by the air compressor. The nozzle can be configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable li qui d and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehicle in the event of a fire.

[0056] In Example 18, the system of Example 17, wherein the air compressor can be operable as a component of a brake system of the vehicle.

[0057] In Example 19, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 17 to 18, can further comprise an air receiver operable to receive air from the air compressor and disposed between the air compressor and the reservoir.

[0058] In Example 20, the system of any one or any combination of

Examples 17 to 19, wherein the system can be operable for fire suppression when an engine of the vehicle is not operational.

[0059] In Example 21, the system of any one or combination any of

Examples 17 to 20, wherein the system can be configured to supply air sufficient to maintain 1 to 5 psi of pressure to an inlet of the reservoir.

[0060] These and other examples and features of the present apparatuses, systems and methods will be set forth in part in the following Detailed

Description. This Overview is intended to provide non-limiting examples of the present subject matter - it is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The Detailed Description below is included to provide further information about the present apparatuses and methods.

[0061] The above detailed description includes references to the

accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0062] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0063] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle system comprising:

a hydraulically powered system coupled to a vane pump, the

hydraulically powered system configured to flow a pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to operate the hydraulically powered system in a first operating mode; and

a fire suppression system coupled to the vane pump, the fire suppression system configured to dispense the pressurized non-flammable liquid from the vane pump to a fire on the vehicle in a second operating mode.

2. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the hydraulically powered system is a power steering system.

3. The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the fire suppression system further comprises a device configured to generate a mixture of a foam

concentrate with the non-flammable liquid.

4. The vehicle system of claim 3, wherein the fire suppression system further comprises a nozzle configured to dispense the mixture to the engine.

5. The vehicle system of any one or any combination of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a fan drive coupling coupled to a fan of the engine, wherein the fan drive coupling is configured to disengage the fan during the second operating mode.

6. The vehicle system of any one or any combination of claims 1 to 5, further comprising controller operable to control engagement and disengagement of the fan drive coupling to the fan.

7. The vehicle system of any one or any combination of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fire suppression system comprises a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system.

8. The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein the fire suppression system is operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating.

9. The vehicle system of any one or any combination of claims 1 to 8, wherein the non-flammable liquid comprises water.

10. The vehicle system of any one or any combination of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a reservoir communicating with the vane pump, the reservoir adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid.

1 1. A system for fire suppression in a vehicle, the system comprising:

a vane pump coupled to a transmission of the vehicle and configured to pressurize a non-flammable liquid; and

a nozzle configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehicle in the event of a fire during engine operation,

wherein the non-flammable liquid comprises a hydraulic fluid of the vehicle.

12. The system of claim 1 1, wherein the fire suppression system comprises a secondary fire suppression system that used in combination with a primary fire suppression system.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the fire suppression system is operable only during a period of time when the engine of the vehicle is operating.

14. The system of any one or any combination of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the non-flammable liquid comprises water.

15. The system of any one or any combination of claims 1 1 to 14, further comprising a reservoir communicating with the vane pump, the reservoir adapted to hold 40 litres or less of the non-flammable liquid.

16. The system of any one or any combination of claims 11 to 15, the system further comprising:

a primary fire suppression system configured to be operable when an engine of the vehicle is not operational, and

wherein the system as recited in claim 1 1 comprises a secondary fire suppression system configured to by operable only when the engine is operational.

17. A system for fire suppression in a vehicle, the system comprising:

an air compressor;

a reservoir configured to contain a non-flammable liquid and an air bladder, the air bladder adapted to communicate with the air compressor and configured to inflate with air supplied by the air compressor; and

a nozzle configured to dispense a mixture of the non-flammable liquid and a foam suppressant to an engine of the vehicle in the event of a fire.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the air compressor is operable as a component of a brake system of the vehicle.

19. The system of any one or any combination of claims 17 to 18, further comprising an air receiver operable to receive air from the air compressor and disposed between the air compressor and the reservoir.

20. The system of any one or any combination of claims 17 to 19, wherein the system is operable for fire suppression when an engine of the vehicle is not operational.

21. The system of any one or any combination of claims 17 to 20, wherein the system is configured to supply air sufficient to maintain 1 to 5 psi of pressure to an inlet of the reservoir.