ESFR Sprinkler Guard Segmented Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler guards obstruct the spray pattern of Early-Suppression, Fast-Response (ESFR) fire protection sprinklers, causing them to fail in meeting testing requirements set by standards such as UL 1767 and FM Approval Standard 2008.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler guard design that minimizes obstruction by using two or more plates with projections and legs, along with swing arms and a circular ring, allowing for secure mounting without disrupting the spray pattern, specifically adapted for ESFR sprinklers with K-factors of 22.4 and 25.2 gpm/(psi)1/2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sprinkler guard is mounted to protect the sprinkler from physical damage, then the sprinkler is protected, but the spray pattern is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler guard is divided into multiple discrete components including a guard body, mounting brackets, and adjustable arms that can be positioned to provide protection while minimizing interference with the spray pattern. The segmented design allows the guard to be configured around the sprinkler head rather than blocking it.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler guard incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the guard to be positioned dynamically to provide maximum protection while maintaining an unobstructed spray pattern. The guard can be adjusted to different positions and angles to optimize both protection and spray performance.
2Reliability
If a traditional sprinkler guard design is used, then the sprinkler is protected from physical damage, but the guard fails to meet testing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler guard design parameters are specifically optimized to meet testing requirements set by standards such as UL 1767 and FM Approval Standard 2008. The guard's dimensions, material properties, and configuration are adjusted to ensure compliance with testing criteria while maintaining protection functionality.
3Reliability
If the sprinkler guard structure is made more complex to provide better protection, then the sprinkler is better protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler guard is divided into modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness. Each component has a specific function and can be optimized separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler guard design incorporates multi-functional components that provide both structural support and protection, reducing the total number of parts needed. The guard structure serves multiple purposes including physical protection, mounting support, and spray pattern maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler guard, mountable to a fire protection sprinkler, includes a first plate with projections from the first plate in a first lateral direction orthogonal to a central axis, and a lower surface facing a downward direction opposite to the upward direction, a second plate with projections from the second plate in a second lateral direction opposite to the first, and a lower surface facing the downward direction, first and second legs having an upper end attached to the lower surface of the first plate, a middle portion extending in the downward direction, and a lower end, third and fourth legs having an upper end attached to the lower surface of the second plate, a middle portion extending in the downward direction, and a lower end. A circular ring is attached to the lower ends of the first to fourth legs, and the legs are spaced about the circular ring.