Pendent Sprinkler Deflector for Horizontal Extended-Coverage Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pendent fire protection sprinklers are limited in maximum coverage length due to fluid velocity requirements, necessitating larger piping or increased pressure, and existing sprinklers cannot be mounted close to the ceiling while maintaining large coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
A pendent fire protection sprinkler with a unique deflector design that directs fluid in a horizontal direction, allowing for extended coverage up to 35 feet, and can be mounted within 2 inches of the ceiling without requiring larger piping or increased pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the maximum length of the coverage area is increased, then the coverage area is extended, but the fluid velocity must be increased which requires larger supply piping or fire pump
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional upward-spraying sprinklers to a horizontal spray configuration. The deflector is positioned perpendicular to the ceiling plane, directing fluid horizontally along the ceiling surface rather than upward into the room. This dimensional change allows fluid to travel farther horizontally without requiring increased velocity or pressure, thereby extending coverage area while maintaining standard piping specifications.
2Area of stationary object
If specialty upright fire protection sprinklers are used to exceed 20 feet coverage, then coverage length is extended, but the sprinkler must be installed 16 inches below ceiling peak which prevents close mounting to ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional sprinkler orientation and mounting approach. Instead of mounting sprinklers 16 inches below ceiling peaks as required for upright sprinklers, this pendent sprinkler is mounted with the outlet end within 2 inches of the ceiling surface. The deflector projects horizontally from the outlet, allowing the sprinkler body to be positioned close to the ceiling while still achieving extended coverage lengths through horizontal fluid projection rather than upward spray.
3Area of stationary object
If horizontal sidewall fire protection sprinklers are used for large coverage lengths, then coverage length is extended, but the sprinkler must be installed at least 4 inches below ceiling which increases mounting complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sprinkler design that combines advantages of both pendent and sidewall configurations. The pendent sprinkler with horizontal deflector can be mounted close to the ceiling (within 2 inches) like a pendent sprinkler, yet achieves extended coverage lengths (up to 35 feet) similar to horizontal sidewall sprinklers. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pendent and sidewall sprinkler systems, providing extended coverage capability in a ceiling-mounted configuration that simplifies installation compared to traditional horizontal sidewall sprinklers requiring 4-inch clearance.
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
Enables extended coverage areas of up to 392 square feet with sprinklers spaced 20-28 feet apart, meeting NFPA 13 requirements while maintaining a compact installation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally responsive element provided between the plug and the junction and configured to maintain the plug in the passage prior to actuation of the pendent fire protection sprinkler
Implementation Method 2
a deflector mounted to the junction... The deflector comprises a planar central portion extending outward from the sprinkler axis along a plane that is perpendicular to the sprinkler axis
Data Source
AI summary
A pendent fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet that define a fluid passage and a sprinkler axis, a pair of frame arms that form a junction, a plug that seals the fluid passage, and a thermally responsive element provided between the plug and the junction, and configured to maintain the plug in the fluid passage prior to actuation of the sprinkler. A deflector, mounted to the junction, includes an annular, planar central portion extending along a plane that is perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, as well as a first angled portion, a second angled portion, a third angled portion, and a fourth angled portion, each angled portion extending outwardly from the planar central portion. Each of the first to fourth angled portions is bent away from the frame arms in the outlet direction from the plane of the planar central portion.