Concealed Sidewall Sprinkler Deflector Support and Nesting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinklers have aesthetic and functional issues, including visible structures that invite improper use and reduced sensitivity due to airflow restrictions, which can render them inoperable or cause unintended activation.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection sprinkler design featuring a body with a deflector support system where rods slide from a housing member to extend and stabilize the deflector, allowing for a concealed configuration with improved airflow and reduced risk of improper use, incorporating a thermally-responsive element and a support cup with a raised mounting platform for enhanced sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional horizontal sidewall sprinklers are mounted with visible structures, then installation is simplified, but the sprinkler invites improper use and reduces aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler components are nested within a support cup assembly. The deflector is housed within the support cup, and the entire assembly is concealed within a wall cavity or ceiling space, with only a small escutcheon visible on the surface. This nesting approach protects the sprinkler from improper use while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
2Strength
If conventional sprinklers use airflow restrictions for mounting, then structural support is provided, but sensitivity is reduced and the sprinkler may become inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into separate components: the support cup provides mechanical support and housing, while the escutcheon provides additional structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows the sprinkler body to maintain its sensitivity without compromising structural support, as the support functions are distributed across multiple dedicated components rather than relying on airflow restrictions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the deflector is positioned far from the output orifice, then fluid dispersion is improved, but the overall sprinkler length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed with a three-dimensional configuration that includes a face positioned close to the output orifice and a shelf extending perpendicular to the flow direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the deflector to achieve effective fluid dispersion through its shelf structure without requiring a long axial distance from the orifice, thus reducing the overall sprinkler length while maintaining dispersion performance.
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 design provides a low-profile, aesthetically pleasing solution that maintains sprinkler sensitivity while preventing improper use and ensuring consistent fluid distribution, meeting fire protection standards.
Implementation Method 1
The release mechanism is designed to release the cap under predetermined conditions, thereby initiating the flow of fire-extinguishing fluid. A typical release mechanism includes a thermally-responsive element, e.g., a frangible bulb or a fusible link
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler has a deflector having a vertical face, transverse to the fluid flow from the output orifice, and a horizontal shelf positioned above and perpendicular to the vertical face. A portion of the horizontal shelf extends in the fluid flow direction by a first length, with respect to the vertical face, and this first length is less than about half of the total length of the horizontal shelf in the fluid flow direction. The sprinkler may be installed in a support cup having a raised mounting platform configured to receive the sprinkler body and a cylindrical outer surface. A horizontal or pendent fire protection sprinkler has a body having an output orifice and a flange and a seal cap to seal a flow of fluid from the output orifice and a thermally-responsive element positioned to releasably retain the seal cap. Housing members extend through and from the flange of the sprinkler body, and contain rods, each of which extends through the flange. A deflector is connected to ends of the rods.