Handheld Pressure Probe for Fire Sprinkler Trip Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a convenient and efficient hand-held system for fire sprinkler system technicians to perform trip tests and record necessary data, particularly for dry pipe systems, which often require two technicians due to the need for monitoring at multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, single-hand-sized pressure probe measurement system that includes a pressure sensor, microcontroller unit, clock, and firmware, capable of logging and communicating pressure and time data wirelessly to a mobile device or controller, allowing a single technician to perform trip tests and record data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional trip test system is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase due to requiring two technicians and multiple monitoring locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (pressure measurement, time recording, data logging, wireless communication) into a single hand-held device that can be operated by one technician. The device integrates the pressure sensor, microcontroller unit, clock, and wireless communication module into one unified system, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment and multiple technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held device performs multiple functions: measuring pressure changes, recording time data, logging test parameters, communicating results wirelessly, and analyzing system response. This multi-functional device replaces what previously required multiple specialized tools and personnel, simplifying the trip test operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple technicians are used for monitoring at multiple locations, then measurement reliability is improved, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically records pressure changes, time data, and test parameters without requiring manual observation or multiple personnel. The integrated pressure sensor and microcontroller unit continuously monitor system response and log data automatically, eliminating the need for multiple technicians to manually record measurements at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring by multiple technicians with an automated electronic system. The pressure sensor, microcontroller unit, and wireless communication module work together to automatically detect, record, and transmit test data, eliminating human labor from the measurement process while maintaining reliable data collection.
3Loss of information
If traditional testing methods are used, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but water consumption during testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables partial trip testing that collects sufficient data without requiring full system activation. By measuring pressure changes and time parameters during controlled activation, the system obtains comprehensive test data without needing to activate the entire sprinkler system, thereby minimizing water consumption while maintaining complete data collection for analysis.
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
Enables a single fire sprinkler technician to accurately perform trip tests on dry pipe systems, reducing labor costs and minimizing water consumption during testing, while also allowing for data analysis and comparison over time.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor, microcontroller unit, clock, and firmware, capable of logging and communicating pressure and time data wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure probe measurement system is provided, comprising a pressure measurement device having a port configured to removably access and fluidly connect with a dry or wet portion of a fire sprinkler system, a pressure sensor fluidly connected to the port, and hardware configured to measure pressure in the fire sprinkler system and to monitor changes in the pressure in the fire sprinkler system, the hardware including a time keeping device and firmware and/or software that allows a fire sprinkler technician to determine times when key events occur in a trip test and/or full flow trip test of the fire sprinkler system. The system may include a controller configured to wirelessly communicate with the pressure measurement device and to permit the technician to display pressure in the fire sprinkler system and start and/or stop the time keeping device.