Hinged Sprinkler Protector for Torque-Assisted Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection sprinkler protective devices interfere with proper wrench engagement during installation, preventing the formation of a fluid-tight seal, and do not effectively protect the sprinkler during storage, transport, and handling.
Innovation Solution
A protective and installation device for fire protection sprinklers that includes a hinged structure with a torque assist feature, allowing for hand-torqueing and easy removal, which protects the sprinkler's operative components and facilitates a fluid-tight connection to a branch connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective device is strapped about the sprinkler to protect operative components during storage and transport, then protection during storage and handling is improved, but the device interferes with wrench engagement during installation, preventing fluid-tight seal formation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into a first protective member and a second protective member that can pivot relative to each other about a hinge axis. This segmentation allows the members to be positioned to protect the sprinkler during storage, then pivoted to the side to clear the wrench engagement area during installation, resolving the conflict between protection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective members are designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of pivoting between a closed protective position and an open side position. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its configuration based on whether the sprinkler needs protection during storage or needs wrench access during installation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective device is used during installation, then protection during storage and handling is improved, but the device prevents proper torquing to form a fluid-tight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into pivotable members that can be positioned out of the way during installation. This allows the installer to apply torque to the sprinkler body with a wrench without interference from the protective members, ensuring proper seal formation while maintaining protection during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows the protective members to move between protective and clear positions. This intermediary structure enables the protective device to serve dual purposes: protecting the sprinkler during storage and allowing proper installation torquing during installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If known protective devices are used, then protection during storage is provided, but the devices are not configured to transfer torque for forming a fluid-tight sealed connection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective members are designed with dynamic positioning capability through the hinge connection, allowing them to pivot clear of the torque application area during installation. This dynamic design enables effective torque transfer to the sprinkler body for seal formation, while still providing protection during storage when the members are in their closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for protecting and installing a fire protection sprinkler. The method includes torquing the sprinkler with a protective device strapped about the sprinkler and pulling a releasing segment of the device to expose operational components of the installed sprinkler. The protective device includes a first and second member having a hinged connection about which the members pivot with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration. At least one of the members includes a torque assist portion for applying the torque to the sprinkler and a releasing segment spaced laterally from the hinge connection to pivot the members from the closed configuration to the open configuration and release the protective device from the sprinkler.