Horizontal Dry Sidewall Sprinkler Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers in cooler or freezer environments is complicated due to the need for drop-down fittings and pipes to connect the sprinkler to the water supply line, which is typically disposed above the compartment.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler design featuring a housing with a vertical and horizontal segment, a thermally responsive trigger, and a translation mechanism that allows the plug to dislodge from the inlet opening upon heat activation, enabling easier assembly and water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drop-down fittings and pipes are used to connect the sprinkler to the water supply line, then the sprinkler can be installed in cooler or freezer environments, but the assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water supply connection, the sprinkler body, and the heat-sensitive trigger mechanism into a single integrated housing structure. The inlet opening is directly formed in the housing, eliminating the need for separate drop-down fittings and multiple connection components. This merging of functions into one assembly directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining fire suppression reliability.
2Reliability
If a plug member is used to seal the inlet opening, then water flow is prevented until activation, but the mechanism for releasing the plug becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-sensitive trigger mechanism automatically detects temperature changes and autonomously actuates the release of the plug member without requiring external intervention. The trigger expands or changes state in response to heat, directly causing the plug to disengage from the inlet opening. This self-activating mechanism simplifies the overall system by eliminating complex external release controls while ensuring reliable water flow control until activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sprinkler is designed for horizontal installation, then it can be mounted on sidewalls, but the connection to overhead water supply becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into distinct functional segments: a vertical segment containing the inlet opening for overhead water supply connection, and a horizontal segment housing the sprinkler outlet and trigger mechanism. This segmentation allows the vertical portion to connect to the water supply while the horizontal portion provides the sprinkler discharge in the desired direction, enabling flexible sidewall mounting without complex angled fittings or additional adaptation components.
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
Facilitates simpler assembly and operation of dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers by allowing the plug to be released from the inlet opening upon heat activation, allowing water to flow through the sprinkler assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap... when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal dry fire protection sprinkler includes a housing having a vertical segment and a horizontal segment extending generally perpendicular to the vertical segment. The vertical segment defines an inlet opening. A plug member is disposed in the inlet opening for sealingly closing the inlet opening. A sprinkler is attached to the horizontal segment and includes a base having a passage extending therethrough and defining an outlet opening. A cap is disposed in the outlet opening and a heat sensitive trigger engages the cap. A translation mechanism is disposed in the housing and engaging the cap and supporting the plug member in the inlet opening, wherein when the heat sensitive trigger releases support of the cap, the translation mechanism is allowed to move within said housing to allow the plug member to dislodge from the inlet opening.