Flexible Sprinkler Conduit for Cold Environment Fire Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler systems for fire suppression in structures with large temperature differences face challenges in freezing issues and require precise alignment, limiting flexibility and complicating design and construction due to rigid connections between dry sprinkler assemblies and piping networks.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly with a flexible conduit system and support structures, including sleeves and escutcheons, allows for greater positional variation and flexibility, enabling the sprinkler to extend through openings while maintaining the piping network in a temperature-controlled environment, preventing freezing and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid connection between dry sprinkler assembly and piping network is used, then alignment precision is improved, but installation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible conduit with a corrugated or flexible wall structure that connects the sprinkler assembly to the piping network. This flexible conduit allows relative movement and misalignment between the sprinkler assembly and the piping network while maintaining fluid connection, thereby improving installation flexibility without compromising alignment precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic flexible connection that can accommodate movements and misalignments. The flexible conduit enables the system to adapt to positional variations during installation and operation, resolving the contradiction between requiring precise alignment and needing installation flexibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection between dry sprinkler assembly and piping network is used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conduit maintains structural stability for fluid containment while its flexibility enables easier installation. The corrugated or flexible wall structure provides sufficient mechanical strength to maintain pressure and flow stability while allowing for simplified connection procedures and accommodation of installation tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit acts as an intermediary element between the rigid piping network and the sprinkler assembly. It provides the necessary structural stability for fluid transport while its flexible nature simplifies the installation process by accommodating misalignments and reducing the need for precise positioning
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dry type sprinkler assembly is used in cold environment, then freezing prevention is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler assembly is extracted as a separate dry-type unit that extends through the substrate into the cold environment, while the water-filled piping network remains in the warm environment. This separation allows freezing prevention in the cold environment without requiring complex heating or insulation systems throughout the entire water supply network
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit serves as an intermediary that connects the warm water-filled piping network to the cold environment sprinkler assembly. This intermediary allows the system to maintain simplicity by keeping the bulk of the water supply system in the warm environment while still providing fire suppression capability in the cold environment
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler system installation for fire suppression within a cold environment uses a dry sprinkler assembly connected to a piping network by a flexible hose and supported in a substrate of a structure separating the cold environment from a temperature controlled warm environment. Sleeves of insulating material surround a conduit of the assembly and engage both the conduit and the substrate to seal and provide support. Escutcheons are also provided on opposite sides of the substrate which effect a clamping action on the assembly.