Modular Sprinkler Valve Assembly for Compact Manifold-Free Piping
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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
1Ease of manufacture
If components are mounted separately to a large manifold of piping, then each component can be individually installed and maintained, but the footprint, manufacturing cost, and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (control valve, check valve, flow detection switch, test valve, drain valve, and pressure relief valve) into a single integrated valve assembly with a unified body. This merging eliminates the need for a large manifold of piping and multiple separate mounting operations, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and assembly complexity while maintaining all individual component functions
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the control valve for shutting off water flow, the check valve for retaining fluid and pressure, the flow detection switch for alarm activation, the test valve for system testing, the drain valve for draining, and the pressure relief valve for pressure regulation. This multi-functionality in a single universal structure reduces the overall system complexity and manufacturing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If components are mounted separately to a large manifold of piping, then individual component installation is flexible, but the footprint and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all valve components into a single compact assembly with a unified body, the patent eliminates the need for a large manifold of piping that would otherwise be required to connect separate components. This significantly reduces the footprint of the stationary object while maintaining manufacturing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly employs a nested structure where the check valve, flow detection switch, test valve, drain valve, and pressure relief valve are all housed within or integrated into the main valve body. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact configuration, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining individual component functionality
3Productivity
If components are mounted separately to a large manifold of piping, then individual component maintenance is possible, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all valve components into a single pre-assembled unit with a unified body, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly of multiple separate components and piping. This significantly reduces assembly time and complexity while maintaining the ability to service individual components through accessible interfaces on the integrated assembly
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
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.