Sprinkler Antenna Integration in Fire Suppression Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems with sprinkler bulbs face challenges in reliable wireless communication due to practical limitations of economy and suitability, and the basic functionality of these systems is difficult to change once installed.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler device with a sprinkler bulb containing a first antenna and a base plate with a second antenna for communication, where the second antenna is disposed within the base plate to facilitate wireless communication between the sprinkler bulb and the fire suppression system, while also protecting the antenna from extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second antenna is disposed within the base plate to protect it from extreme conditions, then the reliability of the antenna is improved, but the wireless communication signal strength may be weakened due to interference from the base plate material
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic base plate material is used as an intermediary between the antenna and the extreme conditions, allowing the antenna to be protected within the base plate while minimizing signal interference. The base plate material acts as a mediator that provides physical protection without significantly attenuating the wireless communication signal.
2Device complexity
If sprinkler bulbs are made small and frangible for single-use functionality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to integrate wireless communication components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into two parts: a simple first antenna embedded in the frangible sprinkler bulb, and a more complex second antenna with protective components in the base plate. This segmentation allows the sprinkler bulb to remain simple and frangible while the communication capability is enhanced in the separate base plate component.
3Productivity
If the fire suppression system is already installed on site, then the productivity of the system is maintained, but the ability to implement improvements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic upgrade capability where the base plate with the second antenna can be added or upgraded independently of the installed sprinkler bulbs. This allows the system to evolve from basic frangible bulbs to enhanced wireless-monitored systems without replacing the entire installed infrastructure.
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
The solution enables reliable wireless communication between the sprinkler bulb and the fire suppression system, allowing for effective monitoring and control of the sprinkler device, while minimizing the need for frequent replacements of the second antenna.
Implementation Method 1
a sprinkler bulb comprising a first antenna; a second antenna for communicating with the first antenna of the sprinkler bulb
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler device 200 for a fire suppression system 10, the sprinkler device 200 including: a sprinkler bulb 100 comprising a first antenna. The sprinkler device 200 also includes a second antenna 220 for communicating with the first antenna of the sprinkler bulb 100, and a base plate 230, wherein the second antenna 220 is disposed within the base plate 230.