Segmented Sprinkler Guard for Low Clearance Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler guards are bulky and have a large profile, making them difficult to install in low clearance areas and detracting from the surrounding environment, while also failing to provide a compact solution for protecting sprinkler components.
Innovation Solution
A compact sprinkler guard with a cage and securement assembly that includes a clamp assembly with a hinged relationship, allowing for easy assembly and installation, and defining specific dimensional relationships to minimize space usage and protect sprinkler components effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cage-like sprinkler guard is used to protect sprinkler components, then the sprinkler is protected from accidental impact and damage, but the guard becomes bulky with a large profile that complicates installation in low clearance areas and detracts from the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler guard is divided into multiple segments including a top segment, bottom segment, and side segments that can be assembled separately and connected together. This segmentation allows the guard to be installed in compact spaces while still providing complete protection when assembled, resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and installation feasibility in low clearance areas
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented guard structure allows components to be nested or stacked during installation, with segments being assembled in a compact sequence. The segments can be stored and transported in a space-efficient manner and then expanded into the final protective configuration, enabling installation in areas with limited clearance while maintaining full protective function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large profile sprinkler guard is used to ensure adequate protection, then the sprinkler components are well-protected, but the guard visibly detracts from the surrounding environment and is difficult to install in low clearance areas
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the guard into multiple small segments rather than one large structure, the guard can be maneuvered into tight spaces and assembled in place, making installation easier in low clearance areas while still providing complete protection when fully assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows the guard to transition from a compact disassembled state during installation to an expanded assembled state for protection, providing dynamic adaptability that facilitates easy installation while maintaining adequate protection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A sprinkler guard for protection of a fire protection sprinkler to define one or more dimensional relationships between the guard and the sprinkler. The sprinkler guard includes a cage that defines an internal volume for housing operational components of the sprinkler including a fluid deflector and thermally responsive trigger. The sprinkler guard locates the deflector within the internal volume with an upper boundary of the cage spaced at a clearance distance from the fluid deflector and a lower boundary of the cage located between the deflector member and a fluid outlet of the sprinkler frame body. Affixed to the cage is a clamp assembly defining a hinged relationship for securing the sprinkler guard to the fire protection sprinkler and housing components of the sprinkler guard cage.