Rack Storage Sprinkler Deflection Against Head Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rack storage systems face issues with sprinkler head damage during storage and retrieval, leading to non-uniform extinguishing agent distribution and potential fire risks due to the exposure and vulnerability of sprinkler heads.
Innovation Solution
A rack storage system with a deflection element that extends beyond the sprinkler head, deflecting contact partners downward to prevent damage and ensuring uniform extinguishing agent distribution by limiting the height of stored goods, combined with a guard bracket to protect the sprinkler head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sprinkler heads are exposed in the storage aisle to enable effective fire suppression coverage, then fire safety performance is improved, but the sprinkler heads become vulnerable to damage from goods and equipment movement
Solution Approach 1:
A deflection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sprinkler head and potential contact partners (goods, equipment). This deflection element absorbs and redirects impact forces away from the sprinkler head, preventing direct damage while allowing the sprinkler head to remain exposed for effective fire suppression coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element is positioned in advance of the sprinkler head in the direction of potential impact, creating a protective buffer zone. This allows impact forces to be deflected before reaching the sprinkler head, preventing damage before it occurs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If guard brackets are added to protect the sprinkler head, then protection against damage is improved, but the complexity of the sprinkler system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection element is integrated with the existing compartment support structure rather than being a separate standalone component. This merging approach provides protection functionality while utilizing already-present structural elements, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection element serves multiple functions: it protects the sprinkler head from damage, maintains proper extinguishing agent distribution by preventing contact, and can be integrated with the compartment support structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the deflection element extends far toward the floor to effectively deflect contact partners, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the risk of interfering with extinguishing agent distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection element is designed with varying properties along its length: it extends sufficiently toward the floor to effectively deflect contact partners in the critical protection zone, but maintains appropriate clearance from the sprinkler head and baffle plate to avoid interfering with extinguishing agent distribution. This localized optimization of geometry resolves the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack storage system having at least one compartment support that borders a storage aisle and/or a storage compartment on one side, and having a sprinkler system that includes at least one supply pipe, from which supply pipe a sprinkler pipe having at least one sprinkler head extends into the storage aisle and/or the storage compartment. A deflection element that extends farther toward a floor of the storage aisle than does the sprinkler head is situated on the bottom side of the compartment support.