Horizontal Sidewall Window Sprinkler Asymmetrical Deflector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window fire protection sprinkler systems are limited by a maximum operating pressure of 70 psi, which can lead to complexity in hydraulic design and 'cold soldering' issues, especially in window arrangements without vertical barriers, necessitating higher pressures and independent operating pressures per sprinkler.
Innovation Solution
The development of a horizontal sidewall window sprinkler with a fluid deflection member featuring a variable radius and asymmetrical geometry, including radially extending slots, allowing for maximum operating pressures of up to 175 psi, independent of window construction, to effectively distribute firefighting fluid and prevent cold soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maximum operating pressure is increased from 70 psi to 175 psi, then the risk of cold soldering is reduced and fire protection effectiveness is enhanced, but the complexity of hydraulic design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from the conventional 70 psi maximum to a higher 175 psi maximum. This parameter change allows the sprinkler system to operate effectively at higher pressures without causing cold soldering, while the asymmetrical deflector design ensures proper fluid distribution patterns are maintained at these elevated pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an asymmetrical fluid deflection member with non-uniform thickness and specifically positioned radially extending slots. This asymmetrical geometry is designed to work in conjunction with the higher operating pressure to achieve optimal fluid distribution patterns on the window surface, preventing both cold soldering and excessive pressure effects.
2Reliability
If higher operating pressures are used in window arrangements without vertical barriers, then cold soldering is prevented, but fluid distribution uniformity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the thickness of the fluid deflection member and positioning radially extending slots at specific locations. The deflector has a first portion and a second portion with different characteristics, allowing localized control of fluid distribution. This enables the system to handle higher pressures while maintaining uniform fluid distribution by directing flow appropriately to different areas of the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetrical deflector design with non-uniform thickness and specifically positioned slots creates different fluid flow characteristics in different regions. This asymmetry is deliberately designed to compensate for the effects of higher operating pressures, ensuring that fluid distribution remains uniform across the window surface even at 175 psi operating pressure.
3Device complexity
If operating pressure is limited to 70 psi, then hydraulic design is simpler, but cold soldering issues occur in window arrangements without vertical barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating pressure parameter from 70 psi to 175 psi to eliminate cold soldering issues. This parameter change is made possible by the accompanying asymmetrical deflector design, which ensures that the higher pressure does not create harmful effects but rather prevents cold soldering by ensuring adequate fluid flow and heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid deflection member includes radially extending slots that segment the fluid flow into multiple streams. This segmentation allows the higher operating pressure to be distributed effectively across different areas, preventing cold soldering by ensuring adequate fluid reach and coverage while maintaining control over the fluid distribution pattern.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables higher operating pressures per sprinkler, reducing the risk of cold soldering and enhancing fire protection for window arrangements without vertical barriers, while maintaining effective fluid distribution and integrity of the window glass.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid deflection member featuring a variable radius and asymmetrical geometry, including radially extending slots, allowing for maximum operating pressures of up to 175 psi, independent of window construction, to effectively distribute firefighting fluid
Implementation Method 2
The preferred horizontal sidewall window sprinkler is capable of providing water on the surface of a window to limit the transmission of heat from a fire to the glazing material and maintain the integrity of the window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Horizontal window fire protection sprinklers, systems and methods are provided. The sprinklers include a frame and a fluid deflection member including a window confronting surface having a planar portion and a concave portion. The sprinkler defines a maximum operating pressure of at least 100 psi. per sprinkler for adjacent sprinklers without cold soldering.