Sprinkler Head Cage With Sliding Yoke for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprinkler head protection cages are costly, require manual alignment and fastening, and can cause misalignment or inadvertent actuation due to angular motion, affecting performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler head cage with a slidable camming yoke that aligns and locks sprinkler heads securely within the cage, accommodating various sizes and configurations, using a tapered recess and camming surface for easy installation and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cage opening is enlarged to accommodate multiple sprinkler head sizes, then versatility and cost-effectiveness are improved, but misalignment of the sprinkler head within the cage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into functional segments: the enlarged opening for versatility, the camming surface for alignment, and the yoke for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while working together as a whole system.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the enlarged cage opening and the sprinkler head. It provides the necessary alignment function that bridges the gap between the versatile large opening and the precise alignment requirement.
2Manufacturing precision
If removable yokes with fasteners are added to ensure proper sprinkler head orientation, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is designed to be movable during installation, allowing it to be positioned and aligned with the sprinkler head before being secured. This dynamic approach during installation simplifies the process compared to requiring precise pre-alignment of fixed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surface enables the yoke to self-align with the sprinkler head during the sliding motion. The geometry of the camming surface automatically guides the yoke into the correct position, reducing the need for manual alignment operations.
3Reliability
If conventional fasteners through preformed holes are used to secure the yoke, then reliability of sprinkler head positioning is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camming surface performs the preliminary alignment action before the final securing step. By pre-aligning the yoke with the sprinkler head through the camming mechanism, the subsequent fastening operation becomes simpler and more reliable.
4Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive brackets or straps are used to attach the cage to the pipe, then cost is reduced, but stability of the cage increases due to angular or rotational motion
Solution Approach 1:
The camming surface uses a curved or tapered geometry to convert the linear sliding motion of the yoke into rotational alignment. This curved mechanism provides stable positioning through geometric constraint rather than relying solely on the attachment brackets.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler head cage or cover limits or prevents inadvertent actuation of a sprinkler head without significant reduction in sprinkler head fire suppression capability, the cage or cover having an enlarged opening for receiving a variety of different sprinkler head sizes and/or configurations, with a slidably mounted yoke for engaging a sprinkler head, having a camming surface therein for directing alignment of the sprinkler head within the cage as the camming surface is moved along a portion of the sprinkler head. The yoke can provide a positive fit and/or location for the sprinkler head within the cage where the camming surface directs the yoke into engagement with opposing surfaces of the sprinkler head sufficient to restrict motion of the sprinkler head with respect to the cage.