Branch Connector Seal Design for Fire Sprinkler Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch connectors for fire protection systems are complex and labor-intensive to install, often requiring tapered threads and sealing tapes, which can restrict fluid flow and hinder proper rotational orientation of sprinklers, leading to potential performance issues in firefighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A unitary tubular branch connector with a stepless internal surface and an annular seal member housed in a gasket chamber, allowing for direct fluid contact and easy installation without the need for external support, ensuring a fluid-tight seal while maintaining adequate fluid flow and allowing for rotational orientation of sprinklers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tapered threads and sealing tapes are used to connect sprinklers to pipe headers, then a fluid-tight seal is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the tapered thread connection and separate sealing tape components from the traditional sprinkler installation system. Instead, it uses a simple snap-fit connection where the sprinkler body directly engages with the pipe header opening, with the sealing function integrated into the sprinkler body design itself, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining seal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler body is designed to be self-sealing through its geometric configuration. The sprinkler body includes an outer surface that directly engages with the pipe header opening, creating a seal without requiring external sealing tapes or complex threaded connections. The sprinkler itself provides the sealing function through its own structure
2Reliability
If tapered threads are used to connect sprinklers, then a fluid-tight seal is formed, but the sprinkler rotational orientation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tapered thread connection mechanism that restricts rotational movement. The sprinkler is connected to the pipe header through a simple opening engagement that allows the sprinkler to be rotated to any desired orientation while maintaining the seal through its geometric design rather than threaded engagement
3Reliability
If sealing tapes are applied to sprinkler threads, then installation is completed, but installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the sealing tape application step entirely by integrating the sealing function into the sprinkler body geometry. The sprinkler body's outer surface is designed to directly engage and seal with the pipe header opening, removing the need for separate sealing materials and their associated installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the sprinkler body structure itself. The outer surface of the sprinkler body incorporates the sealing capability, combining what were previously separate functions (connection and sealing) into a single integrated component that simplifies installation
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 solution simplifies the installation process, ensures a reliable fluid-tight seal, and minimizes fluid flow restrictions, enhancing the performance and efficiency of fire protection systems by allowing for proper sprinkler orientation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fire protection device in sealed engagement with the annular seal member
Data Source
AI summary
Fire protection systems and methods having piping interconnections for connecting a fire protection device to a fluid source. The piping interconnections include a branch connector connected to a pipe header. The branch connector includes a tubular member and an internal annular seal member housed in an internal gasket chamber of the tubular member. The tubular member includes an internal stepless surface between a terminal end of the tubular member and the internal gasket chamber.