Tool-Free Fire Sprinkler Coupling with Axial Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection sprinkler systems face challenges in easy installation and adjustment, as they often require specialized tools and do not allow for axial and rotational adjustments without compromising the fluid tight seal.

Innovation Solution

The sprinkler assembly features a coupling arrangement with positioning elements such as threads, tabs, and recesses that enable axial and rotational adjustments between the sprinkler frame and receiver component, using a separate sealing member to maintain a fluid tight seal without the need for installation tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional sprinkler systems are installed using conventional coupling methods, then the fluid tight seal is maintained, but the installation requires specialized tools and does not allow for axial and rotational adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidadjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement is divided into separate positioning elements: axial positioning elements (such as threaded connections) and rotational positioning elements (such as keyed connections or offset features). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of axial and rotational positions while maintaining the fluid tight seal through dedicated sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A receiver component acts as an intermediary between the sprinkler frame and the fluid supply pipe. The receiver includes internal and external coupling arrangements that facilitate both axial and rotational adjustments while maintaining the fluid tight seal, eliminating the need for specialized installation tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If axial and rotational adjustments are enabled in the coupling arrangement, then the positioning precision is improved, but the fluid tight seal may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement is divided into separate positioning elements: axial positioning elements (such as threaded connections) and rotational positioning elements (such as keyed connections or offset features). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of axial and rotational positions while maintaining the fluid tight seal through dedicated sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing elements are pre-positioned within the receiver component or sprinkler frame before the actual coupling is made. This preliminary positioning ensures that the seal is established first, and subsequent axial and rotational adjustments do not compromise the seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a integrated coupling and sealing system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling system complexityVSAvoidadjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement is divided into separate positioning elements: axial positioning elements (such as threaded connections) and rotational positioning elements (such as keyed connections or offset features). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of axial and rotational positions while maintaining the fluid tight seal through dedicated sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver component serves multiple functions: it provides the fluid tight seal, enables axial adjustments, enables rotational adjustments, and facilitates easy installation without specialized tools. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated design of the coupling arrangement with separate positioning elements and sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240024717A1Fire protection sprinkler assembly

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP

AI summary

A sprinkler assembly (10) having a receiving member (12), a fluid tight seal (44) and a sprinkler frame (14). The receiving member includes an inner surface (22) defining an internal passageway and a central axis (A-A) of the assembly. The frame of the sprinkler includes an internal surface (38) that defines a fluid passage. The sprinkler assembly includes cooperating positioning elements (28, 40) which engage and couple the sprinkler frame to the receiving member for at least one of an axial and rotational adjustment between the frame and receiving member. The engaged positioning elements facilitate formation or location of the fluid tight seal between the sprinkler frame and receiving member, the seal being spaced from the engaged positioning elements. In one aspect of the assembly, the sprinkler frame and receiving member are made of plastic material (e.g. CPVC).