Flexible Dry Sprinkler Conduit for Adjustable Head Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of dry sprinkler systems in buildings is challenging due to the need for made-to-order components, which causes delays and increased construction costs, as well as limitations in adjusting the location of sprinkler heads after initial piping installation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible conduit with an unbiased tie mechanism that remains unengaged during installation, allowing the sprinkler head to be easily positioned and secured without opening the valve, and only engages to open the valve when a thermally responsive element reacts to elevated temperatures, enabling flexible placement and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid, inflexible conduit is used to connect the sprinkler head to the branch fluid supply line, then the sprinkler system maintains structural stability and reliability, but the installation process becomes difficult and the location of the sprinkler head cannot be adjusted after initial installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid, inflexible conduit with a flexible conduit that can bend and adjust to different positions. This dynamic element allows the sprinkler head to be relocated after installation by simply bending the flexible conduit, eliminating the need for made-to-order components and reducing construction delays while maintaining system stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If made-to-order dry sprinklers are used to match specific installation requirements, then the sprinkler system achieves precise fit and configuration, but construction delays increase and installation costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the conduit from rigid to flexible, which fundamentally alters the installation process. Instead of requiring precise pre-fabrication to match specific locations, the flexible conduit can be easily adjusted on-site to accommodate various configurations, eliminating construction delays and the need for made-to-order components.
3Reliability
If the sprinkler head location is fixed by branch line pipe installation, then the fluid distribution system maintains proper routing and flow control, but the ability to optimize sprinkler placement for fire suppression effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduit enables the sprinkler head to be positioned at optimal locations for fire suppression effectiveness without compromising the reliability of the fluid distribution system. The conduit can be bent and routed to accommodate various sprinkler head positions while maintaining proper connection to the branch line piping.
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
This solution allows for easier installation and adjustment of sprinkler head locations, reducing construction delays and costs by enabling flexible placement and eliminating the need for made-to-order components, while maintaining effective fire suppression functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fire sprinkler head positioned proximate to a second end of the conduit, the fire sprinkler head having a thermally responsive element that reacts to an elevated temperature condition
Data Source
AI summary
A dry sprinkler is provided that includes a conduit with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve positioned near the fluid inlet and a fire sprinkler head that is positioned near the fluid outlet. The fire sprinkler head is operably connected to the valve by a tie. When the fire sprinkler head reacts to an elevated temperature condition, the tie is engaged and is operable to open the valve. In a normal state, before the fire sprinkler head reacts, the tie can be unbiased toward the fire sprinkler head. The tie can also be non-rigid and/or in a non-compressed state within the conduit. The conduit of the dry sprinkler can be flexible.