Articulated Fire Suppressant Container Adapter for Angular Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting extinguishing-agent containers to existing pipeline networks in fire-extinguishing systems is often complicated and costly, requiring extensive additional pipework, fittings, and can result in damage due to hydraulic forces, with existing solutions like flexible hoses being expensive and having limited durability.
Innovation Solution
A rigid pipe coupling with articulated connections and a trapezoidal thread system allows for adjustable length and angular compensation between the container and pipeline, eliminating the need for additional fittings and reducing installation effort, while maintaining durability through a stable and adjustable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose is used as an adapter, then angular compensation is possible, but durability is limited to generally ten years and acquisition cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs articulated connections that enable dynamic angular adjustment between the pipe coupling and connectors, allowing the system to adapt to varying installation angles while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability replaces the flexible hose's angular compensation function with a durable rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid pipe coupling for structural stability and two articulated connections for angular adaptation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function optimally, combining the durability of rigid structures with the adaptability previously requiring flexible hoses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional fittings and pipework are used to adapt the pipeline network, then connection is possible, but construction effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves multiple functions in a single integrated component: it provides angular compensation, length adjustment through threaded connections, and serves as the primary connection element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fittings, spacers, and additional pipework, significantly reducing construction effort and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate components (connectors, spacers, fittings, and hose adapters) into a single unified adapter assembly. This consolidation simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of parts to be handled and assembled, directly addressing the issue of excessive construction effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spacers are used to adapt the position of the extinguishing-agent container, then position adjustment is possible, but installation effort and time increase greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connections provide dynamic positioning capability, allowing the connectors to be adjusted to various angles and positions to accommodate different container locations. This eliminates the need for static spacers and manual positioning efforts, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining position adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting piece with movable cylindrical pipes is used, then connection is possible, but hydraulic forces of up to several metric tons act on the pipeline network causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connections provide the necessary movement and flexibility to accommodate installation variations, replacing the movable cylindrical pipe design. The rigid pipe coupling with articulated joints distributes forces more effectively, preventing the concentration of hydraulic forces that caused damage in the previous design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated connections utilize spherical joint geometry to provide multi-directional movement capability. This spherical mechanism allows the connectors to adapt to various angles while maintaining stable force distribution, eliminating the hydraulic piston effect that occurred with linear movable pipes.
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 adapter provides efficient and durable angular and length compensation without additional fittings, reducing installation time and cost, and preventing damage to the pipeline network, ensuring a stable and long-lasting connection.
Implementation Method 1
the very stable configuration of the flanks, which allow a high level of force absorption
Implementation Method 2
the very stable configuration of the flanks, which allow a high level of force absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter (1) for connecting an extinguishing-agent container (105) to a pipeline connection (103) of a fire-extinguishing system (100) in a fluid-conducting manner, having a first connector (5a), which is configured to be connected to a correspondingly configured connection (107) of the extinguishing-agent container (105), and a second connector (5b), which is configured to be connected to a corresponding pipeline connection (103). In particular, the adapter has a rigid pipe coupling (3) that is variable in length and extends along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the first connector (5a) and the second connector (5b) are each attached in an articulated manner to the pipe coupling (3).