Flexible Sprinkler Attachment With Collapsible Force-Absorbing Zone
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Installed sprinkler systems, particularly those with PVC components, are prone to breaking under vertical or lateral forces, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs due to the inflexibility of feeder pipes, connectors, and elbows.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sprinkler attachment with a collapsible zone that absorbs vertical and lateral forces by collapsing inward when pressure is exerted, featuring a threaded inlet and outlet for attachment to conventional sprinkler systems, and designed to prevent elongation to maintain functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PVC pipes and connectors are used in installed sprinkler systems, then the system is easy to manufacture and install, but the components break easily when vertical or lateral pressure is exerted on them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible polyethylene wrap around the rigid PVC pipe section, creating a flexible shell that protects the brittle PVC from breaking under vertical or lateral pressure. The flexible wrap absorbs the mechanical stress while the PVC maintains its structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining rigid PVC pipe with flexible polyethylene wrapping material. This composite construction allows the system to maintain the manufacturing advantages of PVC while gaining the damage resistance of flexible materials, effectively resolving the strength-manufacture contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid PVC components are used in sprinkler systems, then the system structure is stable, but the components snap off when lateral or vertical pressure is exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polyethylene wrap is installed beforehand around the PVC pipe section to cushion and absorb vertical or lateral pressure before it can cause the rigid PVC to snap off. This preemptive protection maintains both the structural stability and reliability of the sprinkler system components.
Solution Approach 2:
By encasing the rigid PVC in a flexible polyethylene shell, the system maintains its structural stability while the flexible outer layer prevents snapping under pressure, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing stability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional rigid piping is used in sprinkler systems, then the installation is straightforward, but repairs are time-consuming when components break
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wrap is installed beforehand to prevent component breakage, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming repairs. This proactive protection eliminates the time loss associated with digging up and replacing broken rigid pipes when vehicles or equipment exert pressure on the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible polyethylene wrap is a cost-effective protective layer that prevents expensive and time-consuming repairs to the rigid PVC infrastructure. By investing in this inexpensive protective component, the system avoids significant time losses from repairs.
4Reliability
If the flexible body is designed to collapse inward when pressure is exerted, then forces are absorbed and damage is prevented, but the body must be designed to prevent elongation to maintain functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wrap is designed with non-uniform wall thickness, having thinner sections that collapse inward to absorb pressure and thicker sections that maintain structural integrity and prevent elongation. This local variation in quality allows the single component to simultaneously achieve force absorption and prevent damaging deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wrap incorporates curved or tapered sections that allow controlled inward collapse when pressure is applied, while the overall cylindrical geometry maintains prevention of elongation. The curved transitions enable smooth deformation without compromising the structural integrity needed to prevent damage.
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 flexible attachment prevents damage to sprinkler assemblies and underlying pipes by absorbing forces, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance, thus saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible body is configured to have a collapsible zone to allow the body to collapse upon itself or inwardly when vertical downward pressure is exerted on the threaded outlet
Implementation Method 2
A flexible sprinkler attachment with a collapsible zone that absorbs vertical and lateral forces by collapsing inward when pressure is exerted
Data Source
AI summary
In an installed sprinkler system, a sprinkler system attachment serves to absorb vertical and lateral forces that a sprinkler assembly or a protruding extension pipe may be exposed to, by providing a flexible body with one or more collapsible zones, having threaded ends or smooth, sliding-fit ends for connecting the sprinkler system attachment between two sections of the sprinkler system.