Dry Pipe Valve Resetting Without Spring Bias Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential-type dry pipe valves for fire protection systems require a separate biasing component, which can be prone to damage or wear, affecting the operation and resetting of the valve.
Innovation Solution
A dry pipe valve design that eliminates the need for a separate biasing component by using a gravity-biased resetting actuator assembly, where the knob is translatable from a first position based on its weight to a second position counter to its weight, allowing the clapper assembly to transition from an open to a closed position without external springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate biasing component (spring) is used in the resetting assembly, then the valve can be reset from the open position to the closed position, but the biasing component is prone to damage or wear affecting operation reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing component (spring) from the resetting assembly entirely. The resetting knob directly moves the stopper to disengage it from the clapper assembly, eliminating the need for a spring to return the knob to its initial position. This extraction of the problematic component resolves the reliability issue while simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the clapper assembly itself to automatically return it to the closed position after the stopper is disengaged. The clapper assembly serves its own resetting function through gravity, eliminating the need for an external biasing mechanism and reducing component complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a biasing component is included in the resetting assembly, then the resetting function can be achieved, but the component is subject to external elements and prone to damage or wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the biasing component from the resetting assembly, removing the source of vulnerability to external elements. The resetting knob operates directly on the stopper without requiring a spring, and the clapper assembly uses gravity to return to its closed position, avoiding exposure to damaging environmental factors.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a separate biasing component is used, then the valve operation can be maintained, but it requires maintenance and external assistance for resetting
Solution Approach 1:
The clapper assembly automatically returns to the closed position using its own weight after the stopper is disengaged by the resetting knob. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for maintenance of biasing components and enables reliable resetting without external assistance, achieving maintenance-free operation.
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 design ensures reliable and maintenance-free operation of the fire protection system by eliminating the need for a biasing component, reducing the risk of damage and wear, and allowing for effective resetting of the valve without external assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the knob is translatable from a first position based on its weight to a second position counter to its weight
Data Source
AI summary
Differential-type dry pipe valves for fire protection systems are provided. The valve includes a body with a clapper assembly disposed in an internal passage of the valve body between an inlet and an outlet. The clapper assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position to respectively prevent and permit fluid flow through the passage from the inlet to the outlet. With the clapper assembly in the open position, an internal mechanism is positioned to stop the clapper moving to the closed position. The valve includes a resetting assembly having a knob exterior to the body. Translation of the knob toward the outlet moves the internal mechanism which permits the clapper assembly to move to the closed position.