Sprinkler Bulb With Embedded RFID Circuit for Reliable Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire sprinkler systems with frangible bulbs and embedded RFID tags face issues where the detachment of tags upon bulb fragmentation compromises the monitoring system's ability to track the location of a fire condition, leading to unreliable fire detection and location identification.
Innovation Solution
A fire sprinkler head design featuring a frangible sprinkler bulb with an embedded RFID circuit, where the RFID antenna extends between opposing axial ends of a cylindrical wall, and a system controller communicates with the RFID circuit to detect communication breaks and determine fire conditions, allowing for accurate location identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an RFID tag is attached to the sprinkler head separately from the bulb, then the monitoring system can track the sprinkler location, but the tag detaches and falls away upon bulb fragmentation during fire conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID circuit is embedded directly into the bulb structure, merging the tracking function with the frangible component. This integration ensures that when the bulb fragments during fire conditions, the RFID circuit fragments with it, preventing detachment and maintaining tracking reliability throughout the sprinkler's service life.
2Reliability
If the RFID circuit is embedded in the cylindrical wall of the bulb, then the tag remains attached during bulb fragmentation, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID circuit is divided into discrete components (antenna traces and circuit elements) that are integrated into the bulb manufacturing process. The antenna traces are formed as conductive patterns on the bulb surface, and the circuit components are embedded during the bulb forming process, allowing the embedding to be achieved through standardized manufacturing steps rather than complex post-assembly operations.
3Loss of information
If the antenna extends between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall, then the RFID signal coverage is improved, but the bulb structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is configured to extend between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical bulb wall, utilizing the curved surface of the bulb. This curved path allows the antenna to span the maximum distance across the bulb diameter while conforming to the cylindrical geometry, improving signal coverage without requiring additional structural elements or complex three-dimensional configurations.
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 enhances the reliability of fire detection by ensuring continuous tracking of the sprinkler head's location even after bulb fragmentation, reducing manufacturing complexities and costs, and maintaining system reliability by embedding the antenna within the bulb surface.
Implementation Method 1
the RFID circuit includes an antenna and a microchip operationally connected to the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sprinkler head having: a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and an RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall.