Fire Protection Device Horizontal Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler systems fail to provide a uniform distribution of firefighting fluid, such as water, in horizontal areas located below and distal to the device, leading to inconsistent fire protection.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection device with a frame and deflector assembly designed for horizontal mounting, featuring a nominal K-factor of 241.92 LPM/(bar) 1/2 (16.8 GPM/(PSI) 1/2) or greater, including a pair of arms, a deflector assembly with planar face portions and tines, and a canopy portion, which ensures a uniform distribution of water density between 4.11 lpm/m² (0.1 gpm/ft²) to 16.46 lpm/m² (0.4 gpm/ft²) over a rectangular area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fire sprinkler systems are used, then fire protection is provided, but the distribution of firefighting fluid is non-uniform in horizontal areas
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a planar face portion with openings, a canopy portion, and multiple tines. Each segment serves a specific function in directing water flow, with the face portion creating initial streams, the canopy portion distributing water laterally, and the tines providing additional directional control to achieve uniform horizontal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional vertical spray patterns to a horizontal distribution pattern by orienting the deflector assembly and its components to project water primarily in the horizontal plane. The canopy portion extends laterally and the tines are positioned to direct water outward horizontally, creating uniform distribution across a horizontal area rather than vertical coverage.
2Reliability
If water distribution uniformity is improved through specialized deflector design, then fire protection effectiveness increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple deflector functions are merged into a single integrated assembly where the face portion, canopy portion, and tines work together as one unit. The face portion with its openings and the canopy portion are positioned relative to each other to create coordinated water flow patterns, combining what could be separate components into a unified structure that achieves uniform horizontal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the deflector assembly have specialized local characteristics: the face portion features specific opening geometries to create initial water streams, the canopy portion has a specific shape and orientation for lateral distribution, and the tines have varied positions and angles for directional control. Each local region is optimized for its specific function while contributing to the overall uniform horizontal distribution goal.
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 device achieves a substantially uniform water distribution in a horizontal plane, ensuring effective fire protection by maintaining consistent water density across the area, with two zones of density distribution, providing adequate coverage and protection.
Implementation Method 1
the deflector assembly distributes a substantially uniform density of water ranging between 4.11 lpm/m 2 to 16.46 lpm/m 2
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A fire protection device (100) including a frame (200) having a body (210) with an inlet (202) and an outlet (204) disposed spaced along a longitudinal axis of a passageway (206). A pair of arms is disposed in a first plane (P1) parallel to the longitudinal axis and coupled to the body (210). A deflector assembly (300) having a generally planar face portion (310) is distally spaced from the outlet (204) of the body (210) and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The face portion (310) includes two openings (332) on opposite sides of a second plane (P2) perpendicular to the first plane (P1). A canopy portion (340) is supported on a first side of the first plane (P1) from the face portion (310). The deflector assembly (300) includes a plurality of tines (370) extending along the face portion (310) on a second side of the first plane (P1). Each of the tines (370) have an outer edge (370C) disposed on a common circle centered along the longitudinal axis.