Dry Sprinkler Assembly Ejection for Vacuum-Blocked Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry sprinkler assemblies face issues in overcoming vacuum pressure upon actuation, leading to incomplete opening and lodgment of sealing components, which inhibits the flow of firefighting fluid in dry vacuum fire protection systems.
Innovation Solution
A dry sprinkler assembly with a tubular housing and internal conduit, featuring a thermally responsive trigger and a fluid control assembly with a seal and ejectable support subassembly, ensures complete ejection and pivoting of the ejectable member out of the fluid flow path by coordinating axial translation and surface contact with an internal shelf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermally responsive trigger and sealing assembly are used to seal the sprinkler internal passageway, then the sprinkler can remain closed in the unactuated state under vacuum pressure, but upon thermal actuation the vacuum pressure inhibits complete ejection of the sealing assembly, preventing full opening and fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing an elastic member (spring) that exerts a force opposite to the vacuum pressure on the sealing assembly. The elastic member is pre-compressed to store potential energy that overcomes the vacuum pressure holding the sealing assembly in place, enabling complete ejection and full opening of the sprinkler upon trigger actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is pre-compressed during assembly to store potential energy before actuation. This preliminary action prepares the system to overcome vacuum pressure immediately when the trigger fails, ensuring rapid and complete ejection of the sealing assembly without delay.
2Reliability
If the ejectable component is held by vacuum pressure after trigger actuation, then the sprinkler does not fully open, but this lodgment of components prevents proper fluid flow and system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides a counteracting force to vacuum pressure that ensures the ejectable component completely leaves the fluid flow path. This prevents lodgment and ensures unobstructed fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet, maintaining system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the ejectable component. It transfers and amplifies the actuation force to ensure complete ejection of the sealing assembly, bridging the gap between trigger failure and component displacement.
3Ease of operation
If an external spring is added to facilitate complete ejection of the seal assembly, then atmospheric pressure can enter the supply lines to actuate the control system, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is integrated into the existing sprinkler assembly structure, combining the opening assistance function with the sealing mechanism. The spring is positioned to work in conjunction with the trigger and sealing assembly components rather than as a separate external addition, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves multiple functions: it assists in ejection of the sealing assembly, maintains pressure on the seal during the unactuated state, and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated 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
The assembly allows for proper operation and full discharge of firefighting fluid by overcoming vacuum pressure and preventing lodgment, ensuring effective fire suppression in dry vacuum systems.
Implementation Method 1
the trigger fractures or collapses thereby releasing the sealing assembly to allow the flow of fluid through the sprinkler internal passageway
Implementation Method 2
automatic fire protection sprinklers are interconnected by a network of firefighting fluid supply pipes that are subject to a vacuum or negative pressure below atmospheric pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An automatic fire protection sprinkler assembly for fire protection systems that includes a tubular outer housing having an inlet, an outlet opening and an internal shelf proximate the outlet opening. A fluid deflection member is spaced from the outlet opening along a fluid flow path of the assembly. A fluid control assembly is disposed within the outer housing for axial translation from an unactuated state to an actuated state of the sprinkler assembly. The fluid control assembly includes a seal subassembly, a fluid flow tube; and an ejectable support subassembly. The support subassembly includes a projection member. Upon actuation of a thermally responsive trigger, the support subassembly is ejected out the outlet opening such that the projection member comes into contact with the internal shelf of the housing to pivot the support subassembly out of the fluid flow path.