Dry Pipe Valve Resetting Assembly Without Biasing Springs
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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 of the resetting assembly and the valve itself.
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 a spring or biasing element.
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 open to closed position, but the biasing component is prone to damage or wear affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing component (spring) from the resetting assembly entirely. The resetting mechanism relies on the weight of the knob and the geometry of the cam surface rather than a separate biasing element, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with spring wear and damage while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weight of the knob itself to provide the biasing force needed for resetting. The gravitational force on the knob automatically returns it to the first position after actuation, eliminating the need for external biasing components and making the system self-sufficient.
2Ease of operation
If a spring or biasing element is used to return the knob to the first position, then the resetting function works, but the component is exposed to external elements and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the vulnerable biasing component from the system. Instead of using a spring that can be damaged by external elements, the design relies on the inherent weight of the knob and the mechanical geometry of the cam surface to achieve the resetting function, eliminating the durability problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based biasing system with a gravity-based system. The weight of the knob provides the necessary force to return to the first position, substituting a vulnerable mechanical component with a reliable gravitational force that cannot be damaged by external elements.
3Ease of operation
If the knob is positioned above the aperture, then the resetting assembly can be accessed, but a biasing spring is required that can be damaged by external elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the biasing spring from the system, eliminating the vulnerability to external elements. The resetting assembly remains accessible for operation, but without the vulnerable spring component that would be exposed to damaging external factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The knob's own weight provides the necessary biasing force, eliminating the need for separate biasing components that would be exposed to external elements. The system uses its own mass to achieve the resetting function, reducing exposure to harmful external factors.
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 reliable and maintenance-free operation of the fire protection system by eliminating the need for a biasing component, ensuring the valve can be effectively reset and reused for subsequent fire events without external assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the first position is based on a weight of the knob
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.