Fire Sprinkler Bracket Assembly for T-Bar Beam Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler support assemblies are cumbersome to install and do not efficiently secure sprinkler heads to ceiling grid systems, particularly T-bar beams, under high fluid pressure conditions, which can lead to misdirection of fire suppression fluids.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly for fire sprinkler support systems that includes a bracket bar with a first plate oriented perpendicular to the bar and a second plate that can be rotated relative to the first plate, coupled with a fastener to secure the assembly to a T-bar beam, allowing for easy installation and secure anchoring by 'snapping' onto the beam and using a fastener to bias the plates together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners (screws or bolts) are used to secure sprinkler support assemblies to ceiling structures, then the connection strength is sufficient to withstand high fluid pressure, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into multiple components: a first plate that interfaces with the ceiling structure, a second plate that interfaces with the sprinkler support, and a fastening mechanism that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the first plate can be designed for quick attachment to ceiling beams while the second plate provides secure mounting for the sprinkler assembly, eliminating the need for complex multi-step fastening procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is pre-assembled with the fastening mechanism already in place before installation. The first and second plates are configured in advance with alignment features and pre-positioned fasteners, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit by simply snapping it into place on the ceiling structure, rather than assembling multiple components during installation
2Ease of operation
If a simple bracket design is used for coupling to T-bar beams, then the installation process is simplified, but the ability to resist side, rotational, and torsional forces under high fluid pressure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first plate is designed with an asymmetric configuration featuring a top flange that engages with the top surface of the T-bar beam and a bottom flange that engages with the bottom surface, creating an asymmetric clamping action. This asymmetric design provides inherent resistance to rotational and torsional forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that remains easy to install
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism incorporates curved or rounded features that allow the bracket assembly to flex and conform to the T-bar beam geometry. This curvature enables the assembly to accommodate minor variations in beam dimensions and alignment while maintaining secure contact surfaces that resist side and rotational forces under high pressure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a fire sprinkler support assembly for use with a fire suppression device. The fire sprinkler support assembly can comprise a bracket bar; and a bracket assembly coupled to at least one end of the bracket bar, the bracket assembly including: a first plate oriented substantially perpendicular to the bracket bar, the first plate having a first end coupled to the bracket bar and a second end; a second plate actionable relative to the first plate, the second plate having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the second plate extends through a first opening in the first plate; and a fastener coupling the first plate to the second plate, the fastener extending through corresponding fastener openings in the first plate and the second plate.