Retractable Rooftop Fire Sprinkler with Adjustable Trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rooftop fire sprinkler systems require internal or external plumbing, limiting their portability and exposure to environmental degradation, and lack adjustable trajectory capabilities to effectively combat airborne embers.
Innovation Solution
A retractable and adjustable-trajectory rooftop fire sprinkler system that connects to a hose bib via a flexible hose, featuring a lockable flow-through hinge fitting to adjust and lock the water flow trajectory, allowing for self-contained operation and protection from elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rooftop fire sprinklers are made portable and self-contained without building plumbing, then ease of deployment is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system uses a retractable mechanism where the sprinkler head and hose can be folded down and stored within a protective housing structure. This nesting approach allows the portable sprinkler to be protected from environmental elements when not in use, while remaining easily deployable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic components including a retractable sprinkler head that can move between a stored position and an operational position, and an adjustable trajectory mechanism that can change the water flow angle. These dynamic features allow the sprinkler to adapt between protection mode and deployment mode, resolving the contradiction between portability and reliability.
2Reliability
If the sprinkler system is made retractable and protective, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler system is divided into distinct functional segments: a protective housing, a retractable mounting mechanism, a hinge fitting for trajectory adjustment, and the sprinkler head. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge fitting serves multiple functions: it connects the sprinkler head to the housing, enables trajectory angle adjustment, and provides a locking mechanism. By making this component multi-functional, the design reduces the need for additional separate parts, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sprinkler head trajectory is made adjustable and lockable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge fitting incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the sprinkler head to be positioned at various trajectory angles and locked in place. This dynamic feature enables adaptation to different roof geometries and ember threat scenarios while using a compact, integrated design that minimizes added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable adjustable-trajectory rooftop fire sprinkler comprising a base component, a lockable flow-through hinge fitting, a trajectory angle setting mechanism, and a sprinkler head. Trajectory angle setting mechanism is a mechanism to adjust, lock, and hold a certain trajectory angle of water flowing from the sprinkler head by allowing the rotation of the lockable flow-through hinge fitting about an axis-of-rotation relative to the base component. Base component and lockable flow-through hinge fitting each further comprise at least one knuckle protrusion with a hinge screw hole located therein. All hinge screw holes are aligned and a hinge pin or a hinge screw is inserted through each hinge screw hole to pivotally attach lockable flow-through hinge fitting to base component. Trajectory angle setting mechanism includes a lockable hinge mechanism, a spring pin and plurality of spring pin holes, and a ratchet mechanism.