Fire Sprinkler Protection Device With Torque Assist

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective devices for fire protection sprinklers interfere with proper torque application during installation, preventing the formation of a fluid-tight seal between the sprinkler and branch connector.

Innovation Solution

A protective installation device with a torque assist feature that allows for the transfer of torque to the sprinkler frame, enabling secure installation and sealing without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective device is placed over the sprinkler to protect the fluid deflection member and trigger assembly, then the sprinkler is protected from unintended impact and damage during storage and transport, but the protective device interferes with proper wrench engagement and torque application during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from unintended impact and damageVSAvoidwrench engagement and torque application

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is divided into two separate parts: a protective cover that shields the trigger assembly and fluid deflection member, and a separate installation device with confronting segments that engage the frame arms. This segmentation allows the protective cover to remain on the sprinkler during storage and transport, while the installation device can be applied separately to facilitate proper torque application without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation device acts as an intermediary tool between the installer and the sprinkler. The confronting segments of the installation device engage with the frame arms to transfer torque during installation, while the protective cover remains on the sprinkler to protect the operative components. This intermediary device enables both protection and proper installation without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If known protective devices are used during installation, then the sprinkler is protected during storage and transport, but the protective device prevents proper seal formation between the sprinkler and branch connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection during storage, transport, and handlingVSAvoidfluid-tight seal formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is segmented into a protective cover portion and an installation device portion. The protective cover remains on the sprinkler to maintain protection during storage and transport, while the installation device with its confronting segments enables proper torque application to achieve fluid-tight seals without interference from the protective cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation device serves as an intermediary that bridges the protective cover and the sprinkler frame. It engages the frame arms to transfer torque during installation, allowing the protective cover to remain in place while still enabling proper seal formation between the sprinkler and branch connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sprinkler is protected during installation, then the operative components are shielded from damage, but torque cannot be properly transferred to the sprinkler frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of operative componentsVSAvoidtorque transfer to sprinkler frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device is divided into a protective cover that shields the trigger assembly and fluid deflection member, and an installation device with confronting segments that engage the frame arms. This segmentation allows torque to be transferred through the installation device to the frame while the protective cover remains on the sprinkler to protect the operative components from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installation device acts as an intermediary that transfers torque from the installer to the sprinkler frame. The confronting segments engage the frame arms to provide mechanical advantage for torque application, while the protective cover remains on the sprinkler to protect the operative components during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12458821B2Protection and installation device for fire protection sprinklers

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MINIMAX VIKING PATENT MANAGEMENT GMBH

AI summary

A method and device for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler assembly having a thermally responsive trigger. The method includes shielding and torquing a fire protection sprinkler with a protective device having a torque assist feature. The protective device includes a first member and a second member opposed and spaced about a plane to define an internal void and a lateral slot for strapping about the sprinkler. The torque assist feature includes a first confronting segment of the first member and a second confronting segment of the second member. The first and second confronting segments are disposed on opposite sides of the plane and spaced apart laterally about the device axis. Each of the first and second confronting segments define an internal surface of the device that form a contact surface engagement with one arm in the pair of frame arms to transfer a torque or rotational force to the sprinkler.