Corridor Sprinkler Deflector Geometry for Rectangular Spray Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems struggle to effectively distribute fire suppression materials in a spray pattern that corresponds to the shape of corridor spaces, such as hallways and vestibules, while meeting fire testing guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A corridor sprinkler system with a deflector design featuring non-uniform tines and slots, allowing for a spray pattern that covers a rectangular area, and a thermally-responsive trigger mechanism to distribute fire suppression material efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sprinklers are used in corridor spaces, then the sprinkler structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fire suppression material distribution is inadequate and does not correspond to corridor shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is segmented into multiple tines (first tine, second tine, third tine, fourth tine) with varying depths and configurations. Each tine creates specific spray streams directed at different areas of the corridor, allowing the sprinkler to cover the rectangular corridor space effectively while maintaining a manufacturable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the deflector have different properties: the first and second tines have greater depths to create spray streams reaching farther areas, while the third and fourth tines have lesser depths for closer coverage. This local variation in tine depth optimizes water distribution across the corridor's length and width.
2Manufacturing precision
If uniform tines and slots are used in the deflector, then the deflector structure is simple, but the spray pattern does not effectively cover rectangular corridor areas including corners and walls
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector employs asymmetric tine depths where the first and second tines extend deeper than the third and fourth tines. This asymmetric configuration creates a non-uniform spray pattern that specifically targets the rectangular corridor geometry, ensuring water reaches corners and walls effectively while remaining manufacturable through standard forming processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the sprinkler is designed to cover large corridor areas, then the coverage area increases, but the water distribution uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector segments the water stream into multiple directed spray streams through its multiple tines. This segmentation allows the system to cover a large rectangular corridor area (220-400 square feet) while maintaining distribution uniformity, as each tine directs water to specific zones rather than creating a single broad spray pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The varying tine depths create local variations in spray reach and intensity. Deeper tines (first and second) provide extended coverage for longer corridor sections, while shallower tines (third and fourth) ensure adequate coverage for wider areas and corners, maintaining overall distribution uniformity across the large coverage area.
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 system provides effective fire suppression coverage in corridor spaces by ensuring uniform distribution of fire suppression material, meeting UL-199 and NFPA 13 guidelines, and enhancing fire extinguishing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Sprinkler devices can be used to distribute a fire suppression material in a spray pattern. The deflector can couple with the second end of the guide pin and can include a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The first side and the second side can include an end profile defining a first tine separated from a second tine by a first slot, a third tine separated from the second tine by a second slot, and a fourth tine separated from the third tine by a third slot.
Implementation Method 2
The guide pin can include a first end having a head, a second end, and a shaft extending from the first end to the second end. The shaft of the guide pin can translate in an axial direction of the sprinkler axis within the apertures of the sprinkler frame.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses of a sprinkler frame having an upper section, a lower section, and a channel extending along a sprinkler axis are provided. The lower section can include apertures through the frame, a guide pin having a first end with a head, a second end, and a shaft extending therebetween. The shaft of the guide pin can translate in an axial direction of the sprinkler axis within the apertures of the sprinkler frame. The deflector can couple with the second end of the guide pin and can include a first side, second side, third side, and fourth side. The first side and the second side may be smaller than the third side and the fourth side and can include an end profile defining a first tine, second tine, third tine, and fourth tine separating a first slot, second slot, and third slot.