Fusible Plug Sprinkler Deactivation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for deactivating fire sprinklers are either not water-tight, require manual removal, are not universally applicable, or cannot automatically reactivate in case of an unexpected fire, and fail to accommodate different sized sprinkler heads.
Innovation Solution
A forked clamping arm apparatus with a jaw arm and stopper plug, which creates a water-tight seal and can be configured to melt at elevated temperatures, allowing automatic reactivation in case of a fire, and is designed to accommodate both one half inch and three quarters inch NPT sprinklers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wedge apparatus are used to plug a sprinkler nozzle, then the sprinkler can be quickly deactivated, but the interface between the wedge and the nozzle is not always water tight because of the wedge incline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable rubber plug instead of a reusable wedge mechanism. The rubber plug is simple in design, made from elastomeric material, and discarded after use. This eliminates the water-tightness problem of wedges while maintaining quick deactivation capability. The rubber plug's simplicity and material properties ensure effective sealing without complex mechanical interfaces.
2Productivity
If wedge apparatus are used to plug a sprinkler nozzle, then the sprinkler can be quickly deactivated, but the wedge must be manually removed with the result being that the sprinkler cannot automatically activate in view of an unexpected fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature-sensitive component that changes its physical state in response to heat. The rubber plug contains a temperature-sensitive element that causes it to retract or melt when exposed to fire temperatures, automatically removing the obstruction and allowing the sprinkler to reactivate. This parameter change enables automatic response without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If capping apparatus are used to deactivate a sprinkler, then the sprinkler can be plugged, but capping apparatus cannot ordinarily be universally applied to all sprinklers and must be manually removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal plugging apparatus that can accommodate multiple sprinkler types and sizes through adjustable components. The device features an adjustable clamp mechanism and interchangeable plug components that can be configured to fit different sprinkler head configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single device design to serve various applications across different sprinkler systems.
4Reliability
If lift apparatus are used to deactivate sprinklers, then the sprinkler can be plugged, but lift apparatus require careful, tedious, or difficult positioning and manipulation and do not accommodate different volume sprinkler heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, disposable rubber plug mechanism that eliminates the complex positioning and manipulation requirements of lift apparatus. Instead of using a mechanical lift that requires precise adjustment, the invention uses a straightforward plug-and-clamp approach with a rubber plug that can be quickly applied and removed without complex operations.
5Reliability
If known apparatus are used to deactivate sprinklers, then the sprinkler can be plugged, but none of said apparatus have completely met the need for water-tight sealing and automatic reactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature-sensitive component that changes its physical state in response to heat. The rubber plug contains a temperature-sensitive element that causes it to retract or melt when exposed to fire temperatures, automatically removing the obstruction and allowing the sprinkler to reactivate. This parameter change enables automatic response without manual intervention.
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 apparatus effectively and quickly deactivates sprinklers, ensuring a water-tight seal and automatic reactivation in case of a fire, while being adaptable to various sprinkler sizes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the plug is configured to melt whenever ambient temperatures surrounding the sprinkler reach a threshold level so that the apparatus releases from the sprinkler
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and related methods for quickly deactivating or otherwise plugging a sprinkler, wherein the deactivated sprinkler may automatically reactivate in view of an unexpected fire. Generally, the disclosed apparatus comprises: a forked clamping arm and a jaw arm with a stopper plug, wherein the forked clamping arm is positioned around a body of a fire-sprinkler and the plug is squeezed against an outlet of a fire-sprinkler via locking plier action between the clamping arm member and the jaw arm member. Suitably, a water tight seal is created by the plug over the outlet. Preferably, the plug of the apparatus may be configured to melt whenever ambient temperatures surrounding the sprinkler reach a threshold level so that the sprinkler may reactivate in view of an unexpected fire in its proximity.