Electric Latch Valve Assembly for Remote Sprinkler Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems rely heavily on mechanical components, which occupy significant space and require on-site maintenance and troubleshooting, limiting their efficiency and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electrically operated fluid control assemblies with solenoid valves and detectors that allow remote monitoring, control, and maintenance, reducing the need for on-site observation and enabling automated system diagnostics and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical valve trim components are used for fire protection system control, then the system can be operated and controlled mechanically, but the installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve trim components with an electrical control system consisting of a controller, solenoid valves, and sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical devices while maintaining system control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and installation space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used in the valve trim for operation and control, then the system can be operated locally, but personnel must be present at the installation site for maintenance and troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical control system with remote monitoring capabilities allows the system to self-diagnose and report its status without requiring personnel presence. The controller can detect faults, monitor sensor readings, and communicate system status remotely, enabling maintenance personnel to diagnose issues without being at the installation site.
3Extent of automation
If electrical components and control systems are implemented, then remote operation and monitoring become possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions including monitoring sensor inputs, controlling solenoid valves, diagnosing system faults, and communicating remotely. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent achieves high automation capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 compact system installations with remote operation and maintenance capabilities, enhancing system efficiency and reducing the need for on-site intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The preferred embodiments include a preferred arrangement of two electrically operated control points that control the pressure within a fluid chamber of a fluid controlled valve
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pressure biased diaphragm valve body that has an internal seat and an internal diaphragm member for engaging the seat to control flow between the inlet and the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic fluid control assemblies and methods for fire protection include an arrangement of electrically operated control points, a valve body and a controller to operate the fluid control assembly. The automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet, an outlet and a valve body to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. An electric latch includes a first electrically operated control point and a second electrically operated control point in fluid communication with a control line to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the valve body and outlet. The methods of fluid control include controlling a plurality of electrically operated control points to perform any one of: a leak test, a trip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, and a validation test of a non-trip condition and a trip condition.