Electric Sprinkler Valve Assembly for Remote Testing and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems rely heavily on mechanical components, occupying significant space and requiring on-site maintenance and troubleshooting, limiting operational efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electrically operated fluid control assemblies with remote monitoring and control capabilities, including solenoid valves and fluid detectors, to manage fluid flow and system anomalies, allowing for remote operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical valve components are used in fire protection systems, then the system can provide reliable fluid control, but the assembly occupies a large amount of space for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve trim components with electrical components and control systems. Specifically, electrical solenoid valves and electronic control mechanisms substitute for mechanical actuators, allowing the system to maintain reliable fluid control while significantly reducing the physical space required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a compact assembly by combining electrical control components, fluid control mechanisms, and monitoring systems into a single integrated unit. This multi-functional approach allows the assembly to perform valve control, monitoring, and actuation functions within a reduced footprint compared to separate mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical components are used in the valve trim, then the system can provide operational control, but personnel must be present on-site to maintain and troubleshoot the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation and monitoring systems with electrical and electronic components that can be controlled and monitored remotely. Electrical solenoid valves, electronic sensors, and communication interfaces enable system operation and diagnostics without requiring personnel to be physically present at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates self-diagnostic and self-monitoring capabilities into the system through electronic sensors and control logic that can detect system status, identify faults, and communicate issues remotely. This allows the system to monitor its own operation and alert operators to maintenance needs without requiring constant on-site personnel.
3Area of stationary object
If electrical components and remote control are implemented, then space requirements are reduced and remote monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical control components, fluid control mechanisms, sensors, and communication interfaces into a single integrated assembly. This merging of components into one unified unit reduces the overall installation space while managing complexity through integration rather than through separate distributed 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
Reduces space requirements, enables remote monitoring and control, and eliminates the need for on-site maintenance, enhancing system efficiency and flexibility.
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
The assembly further preferably includes 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 includes 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.