Rotating Hub Locking Mechanism for Fire Sprinkler Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler systems face challenges in securely holding sprinkler heads in place due to high fluid pressure, which can cause movement and misdirection of the suppression fluid during operation.
Innovation Solution
A hub assembly with a primary and secondary support mechanism, featuring rotatable plates and a locking mechanism, is designed to securely hold a flexible fire sprinkler fitting within a ceiling structure, allowing for adjustment and securement of the sprinkler head fitting, even under high pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple support mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of holding the sprinkler head securely under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism is divided into multiple components: a body portion with first and second arms, a rotating member with third and fourth arms, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively providing secure positioning under high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism incorporates a rotating member that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, allowing dynamic adjustment and secure locking. The arms can move to accommodate installation while maintaining firm positioning when locked, providing both flexibility and reliability.
2Reliability
If a rotatable secondary support with locking mechanism is added, then the reliability of holding the sprinkler head securely is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates the rotating member, arms, and locking components into a unified assembly that works together as a cohesive unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies installation while maintaining high reliability under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member can be manually rotated to lock and unlock the mechanism, allowing the support structure to secure itself without additional tools or complex actuation systems. The design enables reliable locking through simple rotational motion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support mechanism is designed to resist rotational and torsional forces, then the stability of the sprinkler head positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the body portion, creating inherent resistance to rotational forces. The asymmetric configuration provides structural stability and prevents unwanted movement while maintaining a relatively simple design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is pre-configured with arms and locking features that are designed to resist anticipated rotational and torsional forces from high pressure. This preliminary design ensures stability is built-in from the start rather than requiring additional corrective components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub assembly for supporting a portion of a flexible sprinkler assemblage within a ceiling, the hub assembly including a primary support mounted to a ceiling support member, and a secondary support member rotatable relative to a primary support member between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, portions of the supports are overlapping and cut outs formed in the primary support cooperate together with cut outs formed in the secondary support to define a hub opening configured to receive the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage. The hub assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively connect the primary support to the secondary support, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the primary support that is configured to secure the position of the portion of the flexible sprinkler assemblage within the hub opening, and is separate from the locking mechanism.