Angled Sprinkler Bracket for Ceiling Fixture Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire protection sprinkler support systems are cumbersome to install and often interfere with light fixtures and other structures in suspended ceilings due to their design and full-width support bars.
Innovation Solution
A support system for fire protection sprinklers featuring a shorter support bar with pivotally connected center and end bracket assemblies that include angled bodies to minimize interference with ceiling structures, allowing for easier installation and reduced spatial impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional center brackets and support bars are used, then the sprinkler support structure is stable and reliable, but the installation becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar is divided into multiple sections with individual support brackets that can be independently installed and adjusted. This segmentation allows for simpler installation while maintaining structural stability, as each segment can be positioned and secured separately rather than requiring complex assembly of a single large bracket system
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets incorporate adjustable and movable components that allow for dynamic positioning and adaptation during installation. This enables installers to easily adjust the brackets to fit different ceiling configurations and positions, significantly easing the installation process while maintaining reliable support
2Strength
If full-width support bars with vertically extending end brackets are used, then the sprinkler support is structurally sound, but interference with light fixtures and ceiling structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end brackets are extracted from their conventional vertical position directly above the T-rail and repositioned to a more optimized location. This extraction eliminates the interference with light fixtures and ceiling structures while the brackets maintain their structural support function through alternative positioning and design
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are positioned and oriented in different spatial dimensions rather than extending directly vertically. By changing the dimensional arrangement of the brackets and support bar, the system maintains structural strength while avoiding conflict with ceiling-mounted fixtures in the vertical space
3Strength
If conventional complex center bracket designs are used, then adequate support is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements of the center bracket are merged into integrated components that provide adequate support capability while simplifying the manufacturing process. By combining functions into fewer, more versatile parts, the manufacturing complexity is reduced without compromising the bracket's structural performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A support system for a fire protection sprinkler includes a support bar having a pair of end brackets disposed at the ends of the support bar. A center bracket assembly is mounted on the support bar and includes a support bracket and a hinge bracket pivotally connected to the support bracket by a hinge pin. The pair of end bracket assemblies each include an outside bracket and an inside bracket secured to the outside bracket wherein at least one of the outside and the inside bracket has an upper end connected to the support bar and includes an angled body extending laterally outward from the upper end away from the center bracket wherein the outside and inside brackets define a channel therebetween for receiving an upper rail of a T-shaped rail of a drop ceiling system.