Heat-Activated Nozzle Closure with Force-Distributed Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire protection systems with heat-sensitive elements suffer from reliability issues due to material deformation and temperature fluctuations over time, leading to inconsistent activation, and conventional systems lack a compact design that integrates early fire detection.

Innovation Solution

A closure mechanism for sprinklers and nozzles with heat activation that distributes the forces exerted on the heat-sensitive element, using a combination of releasable arrangements and connections, allowing for both passive and active triggering, and incorporates a compact design with frangible glass bulbs for early detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fusible elements are used to close the nozzle, then the activation mechanism can be simple and compact, but the melting temperature changes over time due to creep deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation mechanismVSAvoidactivation temperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force bearing function is segmented from the heat-sensitive fusible element. The cover plate is connected to the nozzle body through multiple fusible elements that only bear thermal stress, while separate structural components bear the mechanical forces. This segmentation prevents creep deformation of the fusible elements while maintaining compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary structural arrangement is introduced between the fusible elements and the force-bearing components. The cover plate and nozzle body are connected through a mechanism where fusible elements are positioned to avoid direct exposure to compressive forces from extinguishing agents, using intermediate structural elements to transfer loads away from the heat-sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If frangible glass bulbs are used instead, then the activation temperature is stable and reliable, but the device length increases to several centimetres

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation temperature stabilityVSAvoidnozzle length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the advantages of both fusible elements and frangible glass bulbs by integrating heat-sensitive activation with compact structural design. The cover plate closure mechanism combines the stability of defined melting temperatures with the compact form factor, achieving both reliability and space efficiency in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate acts as a thin, flexible closure element that can be firmly connected to the nozzle body while maintaining a compact profile. This thin-plate design allows for reliable heat activation without requiring the several-centimetre length of conventional frangible glass bulb systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If the fusible element carries both structural tension and extinguishing agent pressure, then the connection is strong, but creep deformation accelerates at temperatures over 30° C

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidfusible element deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates and prevents creep deformation by positioning fusible elements in a way that avoids direct exposure to high compressive forces and elevated temperatures. The structural arrangement cushions the heat-sensitive elements from mechanical loads and thermal stress, preventing acceleration of deformation before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures reliable and stable activation temperature with reduced material deformation, enabling early fire detection and response, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Implementation Method 1

closure for sprinklers and nozzles with heat activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat activation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

incorporates a compact design with frangible glass bulbs for early detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrangible breaking: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

the fusible elements can be actively fused with the heating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12403345B2Closure for nozzles with heat activation and intelligent controller for closures

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 KAMMER PETER

AI summary

Closure for nozzles with heat activation for use in fire-fighting, comprising a nozzle body (1) and an outlet channel (11) which is kept tightly closed by a cover (5). The cover (5) is detachably connected to the nozzle body (1) and detaches in case of fire. At least one of the fastenings between the cover (5) and the nozzle body (1) is a releasable arrangement (6) and at least one other is a connection (7). The heat-sensitive element is integrated in the releasable arrangement (6) or acts thereon so that the releasable arrangement (6) is detached when the heat-sensitive element is released. The forces on the cover (5) are distributed between the detachable assembly (6) and the joint (7) so that the detachable assembly (6) carries only a fraction of these forces.