Eave Sprinkler Deflector Layout for Wide Sloped Attic Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems for sloped attic spaces with roof spans over 72 feet face challenges in achieving uniform fluid distribution and efficient protection, leading to increased hydraulic demand and installation difficulties due to the need for additional sprinklers and branch lines.
Innovation Solution
A three-branch fire protection system utilizing a combination of upright sprinklers aligned below the ridge and eave sprinklers with a unique deflector design that provides a horizontal throw of up to 28 feet, ensuring a fluid distribution density of 0.1 GPM/sq. ft. over a 8 ft. × 28 ft. area, effectively protecting roof spans of up to 80 feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If additional sprinklers and branch lines are installed to protect roof spans over 72 feet, then the protection coverage is improved, but the hydraulic demand and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attic space protection into three distinct functional zones: ridge area protection, mid-slope protection, and eave area protection. Each zone is served by specific sprinkler types positioned at different locations, allowing targeted fluid distribution without requiring uniform coverage throughout the entire attic space, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sprinkler configurations are applied to different locations within the attic space based on local protection needs. The ridge area uses upright sprinklers with radial deflectors, the mid-slope area uses directional sprinklers, and the eave area uses sprinklers with specialized deflectors oriented to project fluid toward the eaves, optimizing protection for each specific zone
2Manufacturing precision
If more sprinklers are installed to achieve uniform fluid distribution over large roof spans, then the fluid distribution uniformity is improved, but the hydraulic demand increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs directional deflectors that can be angled to dynamically direct fluid flow toward specific areas needing protection, such as the eave regions. This dynamic directional control allows the fluid to be efficiently distributed along the slope without requiring additional sprinklers, thereby maintaining distribution uniformity while reducing hydraulic demand
Solution Approach 2:
The directional deflectors act as intermediary elements between the sprinkler outlet and the target protection area. These deflectors redirect the fluid stream along the slope of the attic space, extending the effective reach of each sprinkler and reducing the number of sprinklers needed to achieve uniform coverage
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sprinkler configurations are used in sloped attic spaces with large spans, then the installation simplicity is maintained, but the protection effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs different sprinkler and deflector configurations tailored to specific locations within the attic space. Upright sprinklers with radial deflectors are positioned at the ridge, directional sprinklers are installed at mid-slope locations, and specially oriented sprinklers with directional deflectors are positioned near the eaves, ensuring optimal protection for each zone while maintaining installation feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system addresses the sloped geometry of the attic space by orienting deflectors and sprinklers in three-dimensional space rather than relying on two-dimensional horizontal coverage. The directional deflectors are angled to project fluid along the slope, and the positioning of sprinklers at different vertical levels creates a multi-dimensional protection pattern that effectively covers large spans
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 system achieves efficient fluid distribution and protection of attic spaces with roof spans up to 80 feet, minimizing hydraulic demand and installation complexity by using a reduced number of sprinklers and branch lines, while maintaining a minimum fluid density of 0.1 GPM/sq. ft.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid discharge from an automatic fire protection sprinkler is automatically controlled by operation of a heat-responsive actuator that maintains a fluid tight seal at the discharge orifice by exertion of pressure on a cap (button or disc) or other sealing assembly. When the temperature surrounding the sprinkler is elevated to a pre-selected value indicative of a fire, the actuator operates thereby permitting ejection and release of the cap by the discharge of fluid through the unsealed sprinkler.
Implementation Method 2
The sprinklers show a variety of deflector geometries for distributing for firefighting fluid within an attic space. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,818 shows and describes an upright sprinkler with a fluid deflector having a central deflecting portion, sidewalls and two angled flaps opposed about the central deflector for redirecting a divided fluid stream in opposed downward angled directions.
Implementation Method 3
Automatic fire protection sprinklers include a solid metal body and some type of deflector to distribute fluid discharged from the body in a defined spray distribution pattern. Fluid discharge from an automatic fire protection sprinkler is automatically controlled by operation of a heat-responsive actuator... permitting ejection and release of the cap by the discharge of fluid through the unsealed sprinkler.
Data Source
AI summary
Attic fire protection sprinklers for protection of the eave regions of the attic space. The eave sprinkler has a fluid deflector for generating a directional spray with a horizontal throw of up to twenty-eight feet (28 ft.). The deflector includes a base having a leading edge with a flap extending angularly from the leading edge of the base. The flap forms a discharge channel that widens in the radial direction from the sprinkler axis. The flap includes a central canopy portion and a pair of sidewalls disposed about the central canopy portion. An attic fire protection system is provided that includes the eave sprinkler to provide a maximum roof span of protection of up to eighty feet (80 ft.) and a roof slope of protection that ranges from 2½:12 to 6:12.