Preassembled Sprinkler Connection Box with Adjustable Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sprinkler connection systems require high assembly and disassembly efforts, are not compatible with different sprinkler sizes, and necessitate separate sealing elements, leading to increased installation time, material waste, and potential assembly errors.

Innovation Solution

A preassembled sprinkler connection box with a fixed connection piece and a transition piece that can be variably cut to length, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and allowing installation of different sprinkler sizes, featuring a plastic housing for insulation and anti-twist mechanisms to prevent rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate sealing elements are used for each connection point, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the connection box housing structure. The housing includes integrated sealing surfaces and sealing elements that are permanently attached to the housing, eliminating the need for separate, removable sealing elements at each connection point. This merging of the sealing function into the main structure reduces assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If bell-shaped parts are screwed onto pipe ends using centering pieces, then connection precision is improved, but assembly and disassembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidassembly and disassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection boxes are pre-assembled with all necessary components (sealing elements, centering pieces, fastening means) already in place during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations such as screwing bell-shaped parts onto pipe ends using centering pieces, significantly reducing both assembly and disassembly effort while maintaining connection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If through-holes are drilled into casing plates for connection, then connection accessibility is improved, but material waste and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection boxes are pre-assembled with all connection interfaces ready before installation. The fastening means are pre-attached to the connection boxes, eliminating the need to drill through-holes into casing plates during installation. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time and eliminates material waste associated with drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If connection height is fixed by box height and fitting, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different sprinkler sizes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different sprinkler sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable extension element that can be inserted into the connection box to vary the connection height. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same connection box structure to accommodate different sprinkler sizes and connection requirements without compromising structural simplicity. The extension element can be adjusted or removed as needed, providing versatility while maintaining the basic structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2586934B1Sprinkler connection box
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 GEORG FISCHER JRG
  • EP2586934B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2586934B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2586934B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device i.e. sprinkler connection box (1), has a connection piece (2) made of metallic material e.g. brass or red bronze, and a housing (3) including a fastener (4) i.e. pin, which enables positioning and fastening on a surface. A sealing stopper (5) enables leakage tests and is made of plastic. The piece, the housing, the fastener, the stopper and a transfer piece are premounted. The box is connected with a sprinkler line and fastened to a formwork plate. The stopper includes a stage (9) sealed with a bevel (10) in the connection piece in a screwed-in condition. An independent claim is also included for a method for attaching connection of a sprinkler in a ceiling.