Fire Extinguishing Head Monitoring for Incomplete Thread Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing systems lack a safety device that effectively detects the proper installation of discharge heads, potentially leading to improper operation during a fire due to incomplete screwing, which existing devices fail to recognize.
Innovation Solution
A safety monitoring device with a rotary housing and internal nut, incorporating a limit switch, ensures the discharge heads are fully screwed by detecting incomplete threading and sending a warning to the control room if not properly installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing safety devices are installed to control head installation, then the system can detect whether a head is installed or not, but the device fails to detect whether the head is properly screwed, giving false signals of correct installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical presence detection with a threaded mechanical coupling system. The monitoring device incorporates a threaded rod that engages with the discharge valve's threads, and a limit switch that detects the mechanical position of the head relative to the valve. This mechanical substitution enables precise detection of proper screwing engagement rather than merely detecting head presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring device positioned between the discharge valve and the activating head. This intermediary contains a limit switch that detects whether the head is properly screwed by sensing the mechanical engagement state. The intermediary translates the physical screwing state into an electrical signal that accurately reflects proper installation, resolving the false signal problem.
2Device complexity
If a simple presence detection device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the device cannot detect incomplete screwing and may give false alarm or fail to alarm when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is designed to be universally applicable to various fire extinguishing system configurations while performing multiple functions: detecting head presence, verifying proper screwing engagement, and providing accurate installation status signals. The threaded rod mechanism works with standard threaded valves, and the limit switch provides both presence and engagement detection capabilities in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring device positioned between the discharge valve and the activating head. This intermediary contains a limit switch that detects whether the head is properly screwed by sensing the mechanical engagement state. The intermediary translates the physical screwing state into an electrical signal that accurately reflects proper installation, resolving the false signal problem.
3Manufacturing precision
If the monitoring device is made highly sensitive to detect proper screwing, then installation precision detection is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a threaded rod for mechanical engagement, a limit switch for detection, and a housing for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The threaded rod provides precise mechanical coupling, the limit switch provides reliable detection, and together they achieve high installation precision detection without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety monitoring device for fire extinguishing systems, which comprises a main body (1) which is couplable to any type of head (2) of a fire extinguishing system, such as a bottle (3), cylinder or tank of gas, powder, water, foam, etc., and which is screwed between the thread (4) of a valve and the valve (5) or a discharge device, which generally incorporates an electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or manually actuated fluid outlet (6), the device comprising a sensor (7) connected to a circuit board (8) and, by means of said circuit board, to a control centre, programmable robot or other means for controlling the extinguishing system, which sensor detects whether the head (2) is screwed correctly and, if it is not, sends a signal by means of the circuit board (8) to the control centre of the installation. Preferably, the sensor (7) consists of an end-of-line button, NA (open) or NC (closed), which is coupled such that it projects from the bottom of the main body (1) such that, when screwed to the end, the device (1) makes contact with the surface of the valve (5).