Foldable Drop Nipple Wrench for Fire Sprinkler Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for adjusting fire sprinkler systems, particularly for tightening and loosening drop nipples, face challenges such as requiring substantial torque, instability when using ladders, bulky wrench assemblies, and the need for multiple wrench components to accommodate varying sizes of reducer couplings, which complicates the process and user safety.
Innovation Solution
A drop nipple wrench assembly with a guide shaft, sleeve, drive handle, interchangeable coupling socket, and male screw adapter, allowing for compact storage and easy conversion to a deployed configuration, enabling single-handed operation and accommodating various sizes with a ratcheting assembly and swivel grip for improved user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a pipe wrench is used to apply substantial torque to the drop nipple, then the threaded connection can be tightened or loosened, but the wrench assembly becomes bulky and difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench assembly is divided into separate components: a compact ratcheting mechanism and a removable extension bar. The extension bar can be detached when not in use, reducing the overall size of the wrench assembly for storage and transport, while still providing the necessary torque application capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension bar is designed to be stored within or attached to the main wrench body when not in use. This nesting approach allows the bulky extension component to be compacted into a smaller form factor, reducing the overall volume of the wrench assembly during storage while maintaining full functionality during operation.
2Ease of operation
If a handle extending perpendicularly to the wrench body is used to reduce the force needed, then torque application becomes easier, but the wrench assembly becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench assembly incorporates a ratcheting mechanism that allows for dynamic adjustment of the mechanical advantage. The user can engage multiple teeth on the ratchet wheel to increase the effective lever arm length, thereby reducing the required input force without permanently extending the wrench body. This dynamic adjustment provides variable ease of operation without the permanent bulk of a fixed extension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wrench components with various sizes are provided to accommodate different reducer couplings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrench assembly incorporates a universal adjustment mechanism that can accommodate multiple sizes of reducer couplings through a single device. The ratcheting mechanism with adjustable lever arm lengths and interchangeable sockets of different sizes allows one wrench assembly to perform the function of multiple specialized wrenches, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrench assembly allows for parameter changes in its operational characteristics through adjustable features. The effective lever arm length can be changed by engaging different ratchet teeth, and the socket size can be changed by interchangeably mounting different sockets. These parameter changes enable the same base wrench structure to adapt to various reducer coupling sizes without requiring multiple complete wrench assemblies.
4Volume of moving object
If the handle is made removable to reduce the overall size of the wrench assembly, then storage and transport become easier, but the user must connect and disconnect the handle which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The extension bar incorporates a self-retaining mechanism with features such as keyed connections or detent systems that automatically engage when the bar is inserted into the wrench body. This self-service design eliminates the need for manual fastening operations like screwing or clamping, allowing the user to quickly attach and detach the handle with a simple push-or-pull motion, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A drop nipple wrench assembly can tighten and/or loosen a drop nipple of a fire sprinkler system. A drive handle of the wrench assembly can be folded along a guide shaft for storage. The drive handle can be extended generally perpendicular to the guide shaft to provide leverage for loosening and/or tightening the drop nipple.