Dry Sprinkler Assembly Linear Actuator Flow Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dry sprinkler assemblies often experience impedance in the flow of fire suppressant due to internal actuating mechanisms, which can hinder the effective discharge of fluid and result in an unstable K-factor.

Innovation Solution

A dry sprinkler assembly with an actuator assembly that includes a sealing subassembly with a spring plate and support, which moves in a linear path parallel to the central axis, releasing the seal of the inlet port to allow unimpeded flow of fire suppressant, comprising a tubular member, spring support assembly, and collinear members forming a fluid flow passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If internal actuating mechanisms are included in conventional dry sprinkler assemblies, then the sprinkler can be activated by fire conditions, but the mechanisms create impedance in the flow of fire suppressant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire activation capabilityVSAvoidflow impedance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator assembly is segmented into separate functional components: a sealing subassembly with a seal member that can be independently positioned, and a trigger assembly that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the seal to be released without the entire actuator mechanism obstructing the flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is extracted as a separate subassembly that can be removed or repositioned independently from the trigger mechanism. When the seal is released, it moves away from the flow path, effectively taking the obstructing element out of the fluid passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If internal actuating mechanisms are positioned within the fluid flow passage, then the sprinkler can be activated, but the K-factor becomes unstable due to flow interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation responseVSAvoidK-factor stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic released position where it moves linearly parallel to the central axis. This dynamic movement ensures the seal can be activated for fire response while minimizing interference with fluid flow during discharge, stabilizing the K-factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member acts as an intermediary between the trigger assembly and the fluid flow. It provides the necessary blocking function during normal conditions while allowing unimpeded flow when released, mediating between activation requirements and flow stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the actuator assembly blocks the inlet port to seal the system, then fire suppressant can be retained, but the sealing mechanism may impede flow when opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sealingVSAvoiddischarge flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the actuator open by moving into the flow path, the mechanism is inverted so that the seal naturally blocks the inlet port and is released by moving linearly parallel to the axis. This inversion ensures that the opening action does not create flow impedance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is designed with specific local properties: it provides complete sealing when closed but moves in a controlled linear path when opened to minimize interference with the overall flow. The local quality of the seal's movement path ensures unimpeded discharge while maintaining sealing integrity when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces impedance to fluid flow, maintaining a stable K-factor and ensuring unimpeded discharge of fire suppressant when activated, addressing the limitations of prior art dry sprinkler assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis when releasing the seal of the inlet port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Implementation Method 2

the actuator assembly includes a spring to urge the actuator assembly into contact with the thermally responsive trigger assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10512808B2Dry sprinkler assembly

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 VIKING

AI summary

A dry sprinkler assembly includes a housing, a sprinkler head assembly with a sprinkler head and a trigger assembly, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly has a sealing subassembly for sealing the inlet port of the housing and is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly such that the sealing subassembly releases the sealing of the inlet port in response to the trigger assembly releasing its closure at the outlet opening. The sealing subassembly moves in a linear path substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis of the housing when releasing the sealing of the inlet port wherein the flow of fire suppressant through the inlet port and into the fluid flow passage is substantially unimpeded.