Quick-Connect Sprinkler Fitting With Gasket Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler systems face challenges in rapid and proper installation, often requiring adhesives or pipe tape for sealing, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler system design featuring a sprinkler, fitting, and gasket assembly with a ring that facilitates a hand-tightened connection, utilizing a gasket with dimples for interference fit and relief cuts to reduce insertion forces, and engagement members that prevent overtightening, enabling tool-free installation and proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sprinkler installation methods using adhesives or pipe tape are used, then sealing can be achieved, but installation time increases and errors are more frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sealing methods (adhesives, pipe tape) with a mechanical sealing system consisting of a gasket and ring assembly. The gasket is compressed between the sprinkler body and fitting by the ring, creating a water-tight seal through mechanical force rather than chemical bonding, thereby eliminating installation time associated with adhesive curing and reducing errors from improper application.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as an intermediary element between the sprinkler body and fitting, creating the seal through compression. The ring acts as a second intermediary that applies and maintains the compressive force on the gasket. This intermediary mechanism enables reliable sealing without direct contact or chemical bonding between the sprinkler and fitting.
2Productivity
If hand-tightened connection is used, then installation speed increases, but proper sealing and alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is pre-formed with engagement members (teeth or ridges) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the sprinkler body and fitting during insertion. This preliminary configuration of the ring ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically as components are assembled by hand, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining connection integrity.
3Reliability
If engagement members are used to prevent overtightening, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members on the ring automatically engage with corresponding features on the sprinkler body and fitting during assembly. This self-servicing mechanism prevents overtightening by mechanically disengaging or limiting further rotation when the proper torque is reached, without requiring external monitoring or control systems. The structure uses simple geometric interlocking rather than complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler system includes a sprinkler, a fitting, and a gasket. The sprinkler includes a body including a first portion and a second portion defining a thread, and a passageway extending from an inlet to an outlet, the inlet adjacent to the thread. The fitting includes an inner wall and a sidewall extending inward from the inner wall. The ring includes a ring body, a plurality of first engagement members extending outward from the ring body, and a plurality of second engagement members extending inward from the ring body. The ring is to be received between the inner wall, the sidewall, and the first portion.