Dry Sidewall Sprinkler Ejection for NFPA 13 Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry horizontal sidewall sprinklers have limitations in available coverage areas and nominal operating temperatures, failing to meet industry standards for residential fire protection, particularly in terms of fluid distribution and compliance with NFPA 13 requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dry horizontal sidewall sprinkler assembly with a thermally responsive trigger and fluid control assembly that ensures complete ejection of the fluid control component, maintaining an unencumbered fluid flow path through a specific mechanical interface, allowing for a range of nominal operating temperatures and coverage areas from 12 ft. × 12 ft. to 16 ft. × 20 ft. with a K-factor of 4.0 to 14.0 [GPM/(psi)1/2].
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dry sprinkler assembly is designed with a fluid control assembly that must be completely ejected from the housing, then proper opening and operation is ensured, but the device complexity increases due to the need for reliable ejection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control assembly is pre-positioned within the housing during manufacturing, with the seal engaged against the sealing surface and the ejection path predetermined. The thermally responsive element is pre-loaded in a compressed state, ready to drive ejection upon activation. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable operation without requiring complex control mechanisms during actual fire events.
2Area of stationary object
If the fluid deflection member is positioned closer to the outlet opening, then coverage area is reduced, but if positioned farther away, then fluid distribution effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple selectable positions for the fluid deflection member along the horizontal axis relative to the outlet opening. Each position corresponds to specific coverage area requirements and fluid distribution patterns. By adjusting this positional parameter, the system can be optimized for different application scenarios - closer positions for higher distribution effectiveness in smaller areas, and farther positions for broader coverage areas.
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 sprinkler assembly provides effective horizontal fluid distribution for residential fire protection, meeting industry standards and ensuring proper ejection of the fluid control component, thus enhancing compliance with NFPA 13 requirements and providing comprehensive fire protection coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The trigger has a nominal operating temperature and thermal sensitivity to define the thermal responsiveness of the sprinkler at which the sprinkler actuates in response to a fire
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic dry horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinkler assembly for residential fire protection. The sprinkler assembly includes an elongate tubular outer housing having a first end and a second end. The second end of the housing defines an outlet opening and an internal channel and contact surface proximate the outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is coupled to the housing at a fixed distance from the outlet opening. An internal fluid control assembly includes an ejectable member that is ejected out the outlet opening and displaced out of the fluid flow path between the housing and the fluid deflection member. The sprinkler assembly provides a plurality of coverage areas suitable for residential fire protection over a plurality of nominal operating temperatures up to 200° F.