Threaded Adjustable Sprinkler Drop for Ceiling Height Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler systems face challenges in adjusting the height and orientation of sprinkler heads due to variations in drop ceiling heights, leading to inefficiencies in installation and potential leakage points.
Innovation Solution
A fire sprinkler assembly with an adjustable drop and bracket hub that allows for flexible conduit coupling, featuring an inner and outer casing with threading for rotation adjustment, and a bellow mechanism to change the axial height of the sprinkler head, secured by a bracket hub to a bracket bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sprinkler head installation is used, then the structure is simple and installation is quick, but it cannot accommodate variations in drop ceiling heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping drop assembly with adjustable length, allowing the sprinkler head to be positioned at different heights to accommodate variations in drop ceiling heights. The telescoping mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the drop length while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The drop assembly is divided into telescoping segments that can be adjusted independently, allowing for flexible accommodation of different ceiling heights while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the telescoping drop assembly, orientation adjustment mechanism, and sprinkler head mounting into an integrated unit. This merging of functions allows height and orientation adjustment to be performed simultaneously during installation, reducing the number of separate adjustment operations required
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable drop assembly serves multiple functions: it accommodates height variations, provides orientation adjustment, and secures the sprinkler head in position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each adjustment type, streamlining the installation process
3Reliability
If rigid connections are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but leakage points increase at connection joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible connector or gasket system within the telescoping drop assembly that maintains structural integrity while accommodating movement and adjustment. This flexible element seals the connection joints, preventing leakage while allowing for the necessary adjustments in height and orientation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and precise adjustment of sprinkler head height and orientation, reducing installation time and minimizing leakage points, while accommodating various ceiling heights and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable component extends between the first and second tubes, and wherein the expandable component permits movement of the first tube relative to the second tube along a lengthwise axis of the adjustable drop
Implementation Method 2
the inner and outer casings including corresponding threading to permit rotation between the inner casing and the outer casing to adjust an axial height, along the lengthwise axis, of the inner casing
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable drop includes an inner casing, the inner casing comprising: a distal end; a proximal end opposite the distal end, the proximal end comprising a shouldered segment; and a threaded segment between the distal end and the proximal end, the threaded segment starting at the shouldered segment and extending along the inner casing towards the distal end, the shouldered segment defining an outer radius that is greater than an outer radius of the threaded segment; and an outer casing surrounding the inner casing, the inner casing and the outer casing including corresponding threading to permit rotation between the inner casing and the outer casing to adjust an axial height, along a lengthwise axis of the adjustable drop, of the inner casing.