Concealed Window Sprinkler Deflector Deployment Beyond Ceiling Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concealed sprinklers installed within ceilings are limited in their ability to effectively disperse fire exposure protection fluid beyond the recess in which they are housed, failing to provide adequate coverage to windows not directly beneath them.

Innovation Solution

A concealed sprinkler assembly with a deflector mechanism that deploys from the recess upon activation, directing fire exposure protection fluid towards windows using a deflector with angled and bent components to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a concealed sprinkler is installed within a ceiling recess, then the aesthetic appearance and concealment are improved, but the ability to disperse fire protection fluid beyond the recess deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment capabilityVSAvoidfluid dispersal coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deflector assembly movable rather than fixed. The deflector is configured to rotate from a retracted position (flush with the ceiling recess) to a deployed position (extending below the ceiling) in response to fire detection. This dynamic transformation allows the sprinkler to maintain aesthetic concealment during normal conditions while providing extended fluid dispersal coverage when needed, directly resolving the contradiction between concealment and coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a deflector extends below the ceiling to direct fluid toward windows, then the fire protection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection effectivenessVSAvoiddeflector mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the deflector mechanism to activate automatically through a simple seal rupture in response to fire conditions. The system uses the fire-induced pressure differential to self-activate the deflector deployment without requiring external control systems, complex actuators, or multiple moving parts. This self-service approach achieves reliable fire protection effectiveness while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the sprinkler is positioned within a recess, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the spray pattern coverage beyond the recess deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic integrationVSAvoidspray pattern distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning the deflector from a two-dimensional recessed state to a three-dimensional extended state. When deployed, the deflector projects below the ceiling plane, creating a new spatial dimension for fluid dispersal. This dimensional transformation enables the spray pattern to extend beyond the original recess boundaries and reach windows and walls that would otherwise be outside the coverage area, while maintaining aesthetic integration when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables effective fire exposure protection for windows and walls by ensuring uniform and consistent dispersal of fire suppression fluid, enhancing the fire resistance rating of glazed surfaces and limiting heat transfer through windows and walls.

Implementation Method 1

a deflection assembly configured to extend from the housing due to gravity and activation of a cover plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray and dispersion: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

The wetted surface of the window protects the window from a fire's radiant heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiant heat blocking: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250303207A1Concealed window sprinkler frame arms and body orientation
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
  • US20250303207A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303207A1 patent drawing
  • US20250303207A1 patent drawing

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.