Annular Sprinkler Manifold Layout for Freeze-Resistant Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression sprinkler devices are ineffective in cold environments due to freezing temperatures, which can block nozzles or valves, affecting their response time and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppression sprinkler device design featuring a conduit with a nozzle manifold disposed about it, allowing fluid to flow around the conduit, with nozzles positioned to spray fluid radially and downward, and a recess to collect condensation, preventing freezing and ensuring fluid distribution without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sprinkler device uses conventional fluid supply pipes and nozzles, then fluid can be supplied for fire suppression, but the fluid may freeze in cold environments blocking nozzles and valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional linear fluid supply to a three-dimensional annular flow path where fluid flows radially outward around the conduit in multiple directions. The nozzle manifold is arranged circumferentially around the fluid supply conduit, creating a multi-dimensional fluid distribution system that prevents fluid stagnation and freezing while maintaining reliable fire suppression capability in cold environments
2Area of stationary object
If the nozzle manifold is positioned to spray fluid radially outward, then fluid distribution coverage is improved, but the conduit may block downward fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional fluid distribution by arranging nozzles on the annular manifold to spray in multiple radial directions including downward, outward, and upward directions. This multi-dimensional nozzle arrangement ensures comprehensive area coverage while maintaining unobstructed fluid flow paths around and along the conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle manifold is segmented into multiple nozzle units distributed circumferentially around the conduit, with each nozzle directed to cover specific zones. This segmentation allows comprehensive area coverage while preventing any single conduit section from blocking overall fluid distribution
3Device complexity
If fluid flows through conventional straight pipes, then supply is simple, but fluid may stagnate and freeze in low-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional linear pipe flow with a three-dimensional annular flow path where fluid flows radially outward around the conduit. This multi-dimensional flow configuration eliminates stagnant zones and ensures continuous fluid movement, preventing freezing while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the annular manifold design
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
The design maintains effective fire suppression in cold conditions by preventing fluid freezing and ensuring uniform distribution, enhancing responsiveness and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the nozzle manifold located below the conduit (and supply pipe) provides a flow path for fluid to drain from the fire suppression sprinkler device due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A fire suppression sprinkler device 100 includes a sprinkler bulb 140, a nozzle manifold 160, and a conduit 190 for supplying fluid to the nozzle manifold 160. The sprinkler device 100 is arranged so that breakage of the sprinkler bulb 140 permits fluid communication from the interior of the conduit 180 to the nozzle manifold 160. The nozzle manifold 160 is disposed about the conduit 190.