Flush Sidewall Sprinkler with Movable Deployment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side wall sprinkler assemblies experience inefficiencies in fluid dispersion, leading to significant energy losses and suboptimal spray patterns, making them unsuitable for flush mounted arrangements and requiring higher pressure systems, which increases installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A flush side wall sprinkler assembly with a deployment assembly and flow shaper that moves horizontally between retracted and extended positions, utilizing a heat responsive trigger and a flow shaper with radially inward extending tab members to optimize fluid dispersion and reduce energy losses, while maintaining axial alignment to prevent sagging and binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional fixed deflector is used in side wall sprinklers, then the spray pattern is stable, but energy losses are significant and spray optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed deflector to a movable deployment assembly that can extend and retract. The deflector moves between a retracted position (normal conditions) and an extended position (fire activation), allowing optimization of spray patterns only when needed. This dynamic configuration reduces energy losses during fire events while maintaining simple fixed-structure characteristics during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the deflector's position parameter from fixed to variable. The deployment assembly can change its extension state based on thermal activation, altering the spray pattern parameters (direction, dispersion, coverage area) dynamically. This allows optimization of energy efficiency and spray performance by adjusting geometric parameters in response to fire conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a blade is added to redirect water downwardly in side wall sprinklers, then spray direction is improved, but the assembly cannot be fully recessed and is unsuitable for flush mounted arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sprinkler assembly into distinct functional components: a base housing, a movable deployment assembly, and a separate flow shaper. The deployment assembly can be fully recessed into the base housing when not in use, enabling flush mounted installation. Upon activation, it extends to provide the necessary spray redirection functionality, thus achieving both compact installation and effective spray pattern control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the deployment assembly within a cavity in the base housing. The deflector and flow shaper components are nested within the housing structure, allowing the entire assembly to be recessed when not activated. This nested configuration enables flush mounted arrangements while preserving the ability to extend and redirect water flow when fire conditions occur.
3Loss of energy
If conventional sprinkler assemblies are used, then fluid dispersion is achieved, but significant energy losses occur requiring higher pressure systems and larger piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the spray pattern geometry through the flow shaper and deflector configuration. By changing the angular distribution and velocity vectors of the discharged fluid, the system achieves more efficient energy utilization. The flow shaper with radially inward extending tabs redirects water flow to create a more uniform spray pattern, reducing turbulence and energy losses, thereby lowering required system pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different flow conditions in different regions of the spray pattern. The flow shaper with radially inward tabs provides localized flow redirection at specific angular positions, optimizing water distribution in different zones. This localized flow control improves overall energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary turbulence and achieving better spray uniformity without requiring increased system pressure.
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 solution achieves improved fluid dispersion with reduced energy losses, enabling lower system pressure requirements and cost-effective installation by optimizing the spray pattern and preventing sagging, thus reducing the need for larger piping and pumps.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a heat responsive trigger and a flow shaper with radially inward extending tab members
Data Source
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Figure 3A~4
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AI summary
A sprinkler assembly having a base including a passageway, an inlet opening communicating with a pressurized fluid source, an outlet opening for outputting a flow of pressurized fluid along a flow path, and an axis extending through the outlet opening. The sprinkler assembly further comprises a top engaging the base and a deployment assembly supporting a flow shaper assembly. The deployment assembly is movably mounted to either the base or the top and is movable horizontally between a retracted position and an extended position for dispersing the pressurized fluid from the outlet opening. A heat responsive trigger is mounted to releasably retain the deployment assembly within the retracted position.