Snap-to-Grid Sprinkler Bracket With Lever-Locked Beam Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler support assemblies are cumbersome to install and do not efficiently secure sprinkler heads to T-bar beams in ceiling grid systems, particularly under high fluid pressure conditions, which can lead to misdirection of the fire suppression stream.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly for fire sprinkler support systems that includes a bracket bar extending transverse to a beam, with a seating frame and a second plate that can be rotated relative to a first plate, and a lever assembly to adjust the distance between the plates for secure anchoring to the beam, allowing for easy installation and secure positioning of the sprinkler head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (screws or bolts) are used to secure the bracket to the beam, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the installation time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is pre-assembled with the first and second plates positioned relative to each other before installation. The lever assembly is pre-configured to enable quick adjustment of the distance between plates during installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming fastener tightening operations while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first and second plates during installation. By actuating the lever, the plates can be quickly positioned to engage with the beam, providing a fast installation method that maintains sufficient connection strength through the mechanical advantage of the lever mechanism.
2Reliability
If the bracket assembly uses a complex fastening mechanism, then the security against forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly functions as a self-contained mechanism that uses the installer's manual input to automatically adjust and secure the bracket assembly. The lever's mechanical action directly controls the distance between plates, providing secure anchoring without requiring additional tools or complex fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly replaces traditional screw-and-nut or bolt-and-washer mechanical fastening systems. Instead of requiring threaded fasteners and multiple components, the lever provides a simpler mechanical advantage system that achieves the same security against forces through a single actuating motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If the second plate is fixed relative to the first plate, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the adaptability to different beam positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second plate is designed to be actionable relative to the first plate through the lever assembly. This dynamic configuration allows the plates to adjust their distance during installation to accommodate different beam positions, while the lever mechanism ensures they settle into a precise, secure position once actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the first and second plates is designed as a variable parameter rather than a fixed dimension. The lever assembly enables this parameter to be changed during installation based on the specific beam position, while the mechanical design ensures the plates maintain proper alignment and precision in their final secured position.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire sprinkler support assembly includes a bracket assembly comprising a first plate defining a first end and a second end, wherein a plate opening is formed through the first plate between the first end and the second end; a second plate defining a first end and a second end, the first end of the second plate extending through the plate opening, the second plate rotatable between a first position and a second position relative to the first plate at the plate opening; and a lever assembly coupling the first plate to the second plate, the lever assembly operable to rotate the second plate relative to the first plate to adjust a distance between the first plate and second plate.