Concealed Window Sprinkler Deflector Extends for Recessed Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler systems are limited in their ability to provide effective fire exposure protection for windows, especially when installed in recessed positions, as they cannot disperse fluid beyond the footprint of the recess, necessitating additional means for coverage.
Innovation Solution
A concealed fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly that includes a deflection assembly extending from the housing to direct fire exposure protection fluid over windows, utilizing a deflector to disperse fluid in a pattern that sufficiently wets the window surfaces, even when installed within a ceiling recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a concealed sprinkler is installed within a ceiling recess, then the aesthetic appearance and ceiling integrity are maintained, but the sprinkler cannot disperse fluid beyond the footprint of the recess, reducing fire exposure protection coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed. Upon activation, the deflector extends from the recessed position to a deployed position where it can effectively disperse fluid over the window. This dynamic transformation allows the sprinkler to maintain its concealed aesthetic appearance during normal conditions while providing full protection coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector utilizes the vertical dimension by extending downward from the ceiling recess when activated. This dimensional change allows the deflector to reach positions below the recess footprint, enabling fluid dispersion coverage that extends beyond the limited horizontal space of the recess while maintaining the concealed appearance during non-active states.
2Reliability
If the deflector extends below the ceiling recess, then fire exposure protection coverage is improved, but the concealed appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly transitions from a retracted state within the recess to an extended state below the recess only upon activation. This dynamic behavior ensures the concealed appearance is maintained during normal conditions while providing extended coverage when fire exposure protection is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector is pre-positioned within the recessed housing in a concealed state, ready for deployment. This preliminary positioning allows the system to maintain its aesthetic appearance while being prepared to extend and provide protection coverage when activated by fire conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sprinkler is positioned in a recessed location, then ceiling integrity and aesthetics are preserved, but uniform spray distribution over windows cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector extends in the vertical dimension from the recessed ceiling position, creating a longer spray path that allows uniform distribution of fluid over the window surface. This dimensional extension compensates for the limited horizontal positioning constraints imposed by the recessed installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector's extended position below the recess allows it to be optimally positioned for uniform spray distribution over the window, a position that would not be achievable if the deflector remained constrained within the recess boundaries.
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 sprinkler assembly effectively protects windows from radiant heat by ensuring consistent and uniform spray distribution, allowing the use of heat-strengthened or tempered glass, and enhancing the fire resistance rating of window assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection assembly configured to extend from the housing due to gravity and activation of a cover plate
Implementation Method 2
a deflector configured to disperse the fire exposure protection fluid over the one or more windows so as to wet the one or more windows
Implementation Method 3
The wetted surface of the window protects the window from a fire's radiant heat
Data Source
AI summary
A fire exposure protection sprinkler assembly provides fire exposure protection for one or more windows and includes a fire exposure protection sprinkler, a sealing assembly configured to unseal in response to a fire such that fire exposure protection fluid may flow from the fire exposure protection sprinkler, and a housing having a pair of legs, with each of the legs having an aperture. The assembly also includes a deflection assembly configured to extend from the housing due to gravity and activation of a cover plate, with a deflector configured to disperse the fire exposure protection fluid over the one or more windows so as to wet the one or more windows.