Electric Latch Valve Assembly for Remote Sprinkler Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fire protection systems with mechanical valve trims occupy significant space and require on-site maintenance, limiting personnel's ability to troubleshoot and maintain the systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fluid control assembly with electrically operated control points and fluid detectors, coupled to a controller for remote operation, monitoring, and maintenance, reducing the need for on-site observation and allowing for remote reporting of system anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical valve trim is used for fire protection systems, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the installation space occupied is large and maintenance requires on-site personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve trim with an electrically operated control system consisting of solenoid valves, control points, and electronic controllers. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components while maintaining system reliability through electrical actuation and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical signals and control points as functional copies of mechanical valve operations. The control points replicate the opening and closing functions of mechanical valves through electrical actuation, allowing compact installation while preserving the essential control functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical valve trim is used for fire protection systems, then the system is easy to manufacture, but maintenance and troubleshooting require on-site observation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation with electrical control systems that can be monitored and adjusted remotely. Control points and solenoid valves can be operated and diagnosed through electrical connections, eliminating the need for personnel to physically access and operate mechanical components on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates control systems with feedback mechanisms that allow remote monitoring of system status. This enables maintenance personnel to diagnose problems and operate the system remotely without needing to be physically present at the installation site, improving maintenance accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If electrical control points and fluid detectors are used, then remote operation and monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electrical control points and solenoid valves that can be remotely operated. The electrical system provides automated control with simpler components that can be managed through electronic interfaces and remote communication.
4Ease of operation
If electrical control points are used to control fluid flow, then precise control is achieved, but the system requires more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical control points and solenoid valves that consume minimal energy compared to continuous mechanical actuation. The electrical system provides precise control through on-demand actuation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high control precision.
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 enables compact installation, reduces maintenance complexity, and allows for remote monitoring and troubleshooting of fire protection systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for on-site personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second electrically operated control points are electrically operated solenoid valves
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
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.