Modular Sprinkler Valve Assembly With Integrated Flow Detection
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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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is used, then each component can be independently installed and maintained, but the footprint area and piping complexity increase significantly
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 separate mounting locations and reduces the overall footprint area while maintaining all individual component functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - testing, draining, pressure relief, and flow detection - all within a single compact unit. This multi-functionality approach allows the assembly to replace multiple separate components, reducing the space required while preserving independent operational capabilities of each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is used, then each component can be independently installed and maintained, but the assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve components into a single assembled unit with pre-connected internal passages and unified mounting interfaces. This reduces the number of separate installation steps and connections required, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the ability to service individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components into a unified assembly, the patent maintains segmented functional modules that can be independently accessed and maintained. The valve body is designed with separate access points and removable components, allowing individual testing, draining, or pressure relief mechanisms to be serviced without disassembling the entire assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting of test, drain, pressure relief, and flow detection components is used, then each component can be independently installed and maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve components into a single integrated assembly that can be manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the total number of separate parts, manufacturing steps, and quality control checks required, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while preserving all individual component functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large manifold of piping is used to mount separate components, then all components can be connected to the sprinkler system, but the weight of the assembly increases to several hundred pounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve components into a single compact assembly with unified mounting interfaces, eliminating the need for extensive piping manifolds. This consolidation significantly reduces the overall weight of the stationary assembly while maintaining all necessary connectivity options for testing, draining, pressure relief, and flow detection functions.
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 sprinkler systems, while ensuring efficient fluid control and detection functionalities.
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
Data Source
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.