Integrated Main Valve Lockout for Sprinkler Testing and Draining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fire suppression water sprinkler systems require separate drainage and testing valves, which increase time and expense during installation, and the pressure relief valve interferes with testing, necessitating additional components and complex installation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An integral valve arrangement that combines a main valve and a relief valve with a pressure relief system, featuring a housing with axially perpendicular inlets and outlets, a rotatable lever, and a hook to prevent pressure relief during testing, integrated into a compact unitary design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drainage valves and testing valves are provided, then the system can perform drainage and testing functions, but the installation time and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate drainage valves and testing valves into a single integrated valve assembly. The main valve body houses both the drainage function (through the drain valve) and the testing function (through the test valve with selectable orifices), eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing installation time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure relief valve is added to the system, then pressure relief functionality is provided, but it interferes with system testing by relieving pressure before test pressure can be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve incorporates a movable lockout lever that can be dynamically positioned in two states: engaged (blocking the relief valve during testing) and disengaged (allowing pressure relief during normal operation). This dynamic mechanism allows the system to switch between testing mode and pressure relief mode, eliminating the interference between these two functions.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure relief valve is restricted to prevent opening during testing, then testing can proceed, but additional components and complex installation procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout lever mechanism is integrated directly into the pressure relief valve assembly, combining the relief valve, lockout feature, and control mechanism into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate locking components and complex installation procedures, as the lockout functionality is built-in and requires no additional piping or components.
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
This solution allows for efficient testing and draining of fire suppression sprinkler systems without the need for additional piping, reduces installation complexity, and prevents pressure relief during testing, thereby minimizing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to apply a force to the relief member to maintain the relief member in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
a lever rotatably coupled to the relief member at a pivot
Data Source
AI summary
An integral valve arrangement may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a main valve and a relief valve. The main valve may comprise an inlet and a first outlet. The relief valve may comprise a relief inlet in a side wall of the inlet, a relief outlet in a side wall of the first outlet, and a pressure relief system. The inlet and the first outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The relief inlet and the relief outlet may be substantially axially perpendicular. The pressure relief system may comprise a body abutting walls of the housing, a relief member disposed within the body, and a lever. The relief member may comprise an interior end and an exterior end. The lever may be rotatably coupled to the exterior end of the relief member by a connecting mechanism.