Modular Sprinkler Valve Assembly Without Piping Manifolds

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire suppression sprinkler systems require a large manifold of piping for separate installation of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components, leading to a large footprint, high manufacturing costs, and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular valve assembly with a single piece valve body integrating a check valve, a removably mounted drain valve, and a mechanically independent flow detection switch, eliminating the need for a large piping manifold by combining these components into a compact unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is performed on a large manifold of piping, then each component can be individually installed and maintained, but the footprint area, manufacturing cost, and assembly complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent independenceVSAvoidfootprint area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate valve components (test valve, drain valve, pressure relief valve, and flow detection switch) into a single integrated valve assembly with a unified body structure. This merging eliminates the need for a large piping manifold while maintaining all individual component functions, thereby reducing the footprint area without sacrificing component independence or adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is performed on a large manifold of piping, then each component can be individually installed and maintained, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent independenceVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated valve assembly pre-combines multiple components during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly of separate components on a piping manifold. This reduces assembly time and complexity while maintaining component functionality and independence through modular design elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve assembly employs removable and replaceable components that can be individually accessed and maintained without disassembling the entire assembly. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance and replacement of individual components while keeping the overall structure integrated, thus maintaining productivity benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is performed on a large manifold of piping, then each component can be individually installed and maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent independenceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple valve components into a single unified assembly with a common body structure, eliminating the need for a complex piping manifold network. This merging simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining component independence through internal integration rather than external piping connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular design reduces the footprint, manufacturing costs, and assembly complexity of fire suppression sprinkler systems, while maintaining functionality and safety by integrating essential components into a single, compact unit.

Implementation Method 1

The check valve is movable between a closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the check valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10912964B2Modular valve assembly

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 VICTAULIC

AI summary

A wet piping system modular valve assembly includes a single piece valve body with a check valve within the valve body. The check valve is movable between a closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the check valve. A drain valve is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body downstream of the check valve. A mechanically independent flow detection switch is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body upstream of the drain valve.