Compact Sprinkler Manifold Layout for Cabinet Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler system manifolds require complex installation and occupy significant space due to their design, making them difficult to integrate compactly within installation cabinets while maintaining easy operation and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact manifold design featuring integral components such as a main tube ball valve, flow alarm port, test outlet port, and pressure measuring port arranged in a sequential and perpendicular manner to minimize space, with a handle that allows 90° rotation for easy operation and a locking mechanism to maintain the open state, enabling efficient packaging and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a compact manifold design with integral components is used, then space requirements are minimized and manufacturing is simplified, but the complexity of integrating multiple functional ports and valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components (main tube ball valve, flow alarm port, test outlet port, pressure measuring port) directly into the manifold body, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the main water conduit, houses the ball valve mechanism, provides mounting ports for flow alarm and pressure measurement, and includes test drainage capability, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed
2Ease of operation
If the main tube ball valve is arranged for easy front-side operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the overall device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned asymmetrically on the ball valve stem, extending perpendicular to the valve axis, allowing for ergonomic front-side operation while minimizing the radial space required. The handle's offset positioning enables lever-age for easy operation without increasing the manifold's overall envelope dimensions
3Device complexity
If multiple ports and valves are integrated into the manifold body, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve seat, flow alarm port, test outlet port, and pressure measuring port are all pre-positioned and integrated into the manifold body during manufacturing, with precision features (such as threaded ports and valve seats) built-in during the molding or machining process, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment operations
Data Source
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Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a manifold (1) for a sprinkler system, in particular performed for the arrangement in the main supply tubing of the sprinkler system, having a main tube body (10) with an inlet port (11) at a first end (12) and with an outlet port (13) at a second end (14), and having a main tube valve (15) to open and close a main passage extending along a main axis (16) in the main tube body (10) by turning the valve (15) in a valve axis (17), and whereas the main tube valve (15) features a handle (18) for turning the valve (15). According to the invention, the main tube body (10) features the following integral components beginning with the inlet port (11) at the first end (12) along the main axis (16): - the main tube valve (15) comprising the handle (18), - at least one flow alarm port (21) extending in a flow alarm port axis (32) for the arrangement of a flow alarm unit (22), - a test outlet port (23) extending an a test outlet port axis (33) comprising an test outlet valve (24) and a - a pressure measuring port (25) extending in a pressure measuring port axis (34) for the arrangement of a pressure gauge (26), whereas - the flow alarm port axis (32) and the valve axis (17) extend parallel to each other and - the test outlet port axis (33) and the pressure measuring port axis (34) extend parallel to each other.