Sprinkler Adapter With Gasket for Low-Torque Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems face challenges in efficiently and easily connecting sprinklers to piping, often requiring high torque and sealant application, which can lead to damage and prolonged installation times.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly that includes an adapter with a sprinkler interface and a gasket, allowing for low-torque connection of sprinklers with pipes, and optionally incorporating sensors for fire detection, facilitating easier installation and integration with fire suppression systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sprinkler connection methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but high torque and prolonged installation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a sprinkler interface portion that threads onto the sprinkler body, and a pipe interface portion that couples to the pipe. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process by enabling modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the sprinkler and the pipe coupling. It includes a gasket positioned between the pipe coupling and the sprinkler body, which serves as a mediator to create a fluid-tight seal without requiring high torque, thereby reducing installation time and effort.
2Reliability
If traditional sprinkler connection methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but damage to sprinkler or pipe can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-installed on the adapter before the final assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects the sprinkler body and pipe coupling from direct metal-to-metal contact and high stress concentrations during tightening, preventing damage while ensuring connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism changes the torque parameter required for assembly. By using the threaded sprinkler interface portion combined with the gasketed pipe interface, the system achieves secure connection at lower torque levels, reducing the risk of damage to the sprinkler body or pipe threads.
3Ease of operation
If adapter with gasket is used, then low-torque connection is achieved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the threaded interface for the sprinkler, incorporates the gasket for sealing, and includes the pipe coupling interface. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining ease of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a universal component that can connect various sprinkler types to standard pipe couplings. The threaded portion can accommodate different sprinkler body sizes, while the pipe interface portion maintains compatibility with standard grooved pipe couplings, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly includes a pipe, a sprinkler, and an adapter. The adapter includes an end wall that contacts the pipe, a sprinkler interface extending from the end wall that receives the sprinkler and fluidly couples the sprinkler with the pipe, and a gasket positioned in the sprinkler interface between the sprinkler and the pipe.