Concealed Space Sprinkler Layout for Extended Fire Protection Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems for combustible concealed spaces are limited to an effective depth range of up to 36 inches, restricting the size of concealed spaces that can be protected.
Innovation Solution
The use of automatic sprinklers with enhanced thermal responsiveness and specific sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing, along with a firefighting fluid supply system, allows for an effective depth range of up to 60-84 inches, providing broader coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If current concealed space fire protection systems are used, then the system is simple and easy to install, but the effective depth range is limited to no more than thirty-six inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal response parameters of the sprinkler system by using thermally responsive triggers with different response time indices (RTI values). By selecting triggers with RTI values of 28, 32, or 36 (m-s)1/2, the system can be tuned to activate at different thermal conditions, enabling effective operation at greater depths where heat accumulation occurs more slowly. This parameter adjustment allows the system to protect concealed spaces with effective depths exceeding thirty-six inches while maintaining relatively simple sprinkler hardware.
2Area of stationary object
If the effective depth range is increased to protect larger concealed spaces, then more area can be protected, but the sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing and coverage requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables larger coverage areas by adjusting the thermal response parameters of individual sprinklers rather than increasing sprinkler density. By using thermally responsive triggers with appropriate RTI values, each sprinkler can effectively protect at greater distances, allowing sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing to be increased while maintaining adequate protection. This approach allows coverage areas exceeding 225 square feet per sprinkler while avoiding the complexity of dense sprinkler networks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermally responsive triggers with different RTI values are used, then the system can adapt to different concealed space depths, but the selection and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a systematic approach to adapting sprinkler systems to different concealed space depths by offering specific RTI value options (28, 32, or 36 (m-s)1/2) for different depth ranges. This structured parameter selection guide simplifies the decision-making process for designers and installers, making it easier to choose the appropriate trigger type based on the specific application requirements rather than requiring complex calculations or trial-and-error approaches.
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
This solution significantly increases the effective depth range of fire protection, enabling the protection of larger concealed spaces with improved sprinkler coverage and activation time.
Implementation Method 1
The triggers of known concealed space sprinklers are embodied as thermally responsive glass bulbs. The known trigger and frame body assembly provide for a sprinkler thermal response which can be characterized as 'fast response,' as is understood in the art. Moreover, the thermal responsiveness of the known concealed space automatic sprinklers can be characterized by a response time index (RTI) of 32 (m-s)1/2 and a temperature rating of 175° F.
Implementation Method 2
These known combustible concealed space sprinklers include a deflector for the distribution of the firefighting fluid. The deflector is a generally planar member with a central portion axially aligned with the passageway and an outer peripheral portion circumscribed about the central portion to define a substantially circular periphery and a diameter of 1 11/16 inches. The peripheral portion of the deflector includes radially spaced apart tines to define a plurality of open ended slots formed therebetween extending radially inward at an equal distance toward the center of the member.
Data Source
AI summary
Fire protection system and methods for concealed spaces providing for effective fire protection over an effective depth range measuring from a minimum six inches up to a maximum that is greater than thirty-six inches. A combustible concealed space that includes an upper deck and a ceiling deck spaced about a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the ceiling deck with a fire protection system having a firefighting fluid supply pipe and at least one automatic upright sprinkler coupled to the fluid supply pipe and positioned to define an effective depth range that measures from six inches to a maximum of at least sixty inches.