Pivoting Sprinkler Bracket for Ceiling Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire protection sprinkler support systems are complex to install, cumbersome, and often interfere with light fixtures and other structures in suspended ceilings, necessitating a simpler and non-intrusive mounting solution.
Innovation Solution
A support system featuring a shorter support bar with pivotally connected center and end bracket assemblies, including angled brackets that define channels for T-rails, minimizing interference with ceiling structures and facilitating easy installation by allowing access for fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional center brackets are used to mount the sprinkler adapter, then the sprinkler can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes complicated and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The center bracket assembly is divided into multiple components: a support bracket that attaches to the support bar, a hinge bracket that pivots to receive the sprinkler adapter, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing secure mounting and easy installation.
2Strength
If the support bar extends full width between T-rails and end brackets extend vertically above the T-rail, then the sprinkler is properly supported, but interference with light fixtures and other ceiling structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end brackets are designed with asymmetric geometry where the mounting portion attaches to the T-rail but the extension portion angles away from the center of the ceiling space. This asymmetric design provides adequate support strength while minimizing the horizontal footprint and interference with light fixtures and other ceiling structures.
3Reliability
If conventional end bracket designs are used, then the support bar is securely mounted to T-rails, but the brackets are cumbersome and interfere with adjacent structures
Solution Approach 1:
The end bracket assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the T-rail mounting function, the support bar attachment function, and the positioning function are merged into one bracket design. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly while maintaining secure mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system for a fire protection sprinkler includes a support bar having a pair of end brackets disposed at the ends of the support bar. A center bracket assembly is mounted on the support bar and includes a support bracket and a hinge bracket pivotally connected to the support bracket by a hinge pin. The pair of end bracket assemblies each include an outside bracket and an inside bracket secured to the outside bracket wherein at least one of the outside and the inside bracket has an upper end connected to the support bar and includes an angled body extending laterally outward from the upper end away from the center bracket wherein the outside and inside brackets define a channel therebetween for receiving an upper rail of a T-shaped rail of a drop ceiling system.