PCRR Sprinkler Fitting for Secure Sealing and Safe Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection sprinkler systems lack a reliable and safe mechanism for forming a fluid-tight connection with fluid supply pipes that can maintain the connection under pressure and allow for easy maintenance and replacement without accidental decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A 'push-to-connect-rotate-to-release' (PCRR) fitting system that forms a fluid-tight connection by linear insertion of the sprinkler body into the fitting, which requires both axial and rotational translation for separation, utilizing a gripper ring and helical surface for secure engagement and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional threaded connection is used to form a fluid-tight connection between sprinkler body and fitting, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation and installation time are worsened due to requiring threading and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is segmented into two distinct phases: insertion phase (forming fluid-tight seal) and rotation phase (securing mechanical connection). The sprinkler body and fitting are designed with separate functional zones - a smooth insertion path for seal formation and a threaded engagement zone for mechanical securing. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, improving both ease of installation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-tight seal is formed preliminarily during the insertion phase before the mechanical threading engagement is completed. The seal member and sealing surface are positioned such that the seal is established as the sprinkler body is pushed into the fitting, prior to any rotational threading motion. This preliminary seal formation ensures reliability is achieved before final mechanical securing.
2Reliability
If a secure mechanical connection is implemented to prevent accidental decoupling, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement are worsened due to requiring complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static threaded fastening to a dynamic two-stage process. During installation, the connection is formed by pushing (linear motion) then rotating (rotational motion). During removal, the reverse sequence is used: rotate to disengage threads, then pull to separate. This dynamic approach maintains secure connection during operation while enabling simple replacement by reversing the installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly process inverts the assembly sequence. Instead of undoing threads first and then separating, the design allows the sprinkler body to be pulled out while still engaged in the threads, with the rotation serving to disengage the threads during withdrawal. This inversion makes removal as simple as the installation process, improving ease of repair while maintaining connection security.
3Ease of operation
If a fluid-tight seal is formed by linear insertion without rotation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength under pressure is worsened due to lack of mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges two connection mechanisms - a push-to-connect seal formation mechanism and a threaded mechanical engagement mechanism - into a single integrated connection process. The sprinkler body is pushed into the fitting to form the seal, then rotated to engage the threads for mechanical strength. Both functions are combined in one continuous operation, achieving both ease of operation and connection strength under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process maintains continuity of useful action by transitioning smoothly from the sealing function to the mechanical engagement function without interruption. The rotation that secures the mechanical connection also maintains the fluid-tight seal, ensuring continuous protection against leakage while building connection strength. The two functions overlap and reinforce each other throughout the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly includes a fire protection sprinkler and a push-to-connect-rotate-to-release (PCRR) fitting. The fire protection sprinkler has a body defining an inlet and an outlet, a deflector spaced from the outlet, the body having an outer encasing surface surrounding a first longitudinal axis, the outer encasing surface including a seal member disposed about the encasing surface and a helical surface between the deflector and the seal member. The PCRR fitting includes a tubular member with a first end, a second end, an exterior surface, and an inner surface defining an internal conduit extending along a second longitudinal axis, the body received in the internal conduit such that the first longitudinal axis is axially aligned with the second longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a sealing surface portion circumscribed about the second longitudinal axis. The gripper ring is disposed along the inner surface and in contact with the helical surface.