Sprinkler Cover Installation Tool With Flexible Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing cover plates for concealed fire protection sprinklers are time-consuming and costly, as workers must repeatedly climb ladders or scaffolding to reach and install multiple sprinklers, necessitating a more efficient solution to streamline the process.
Innovation Solution
An installation tool with an extension member and flexible fingers that can engage and disengage a cover assembly, allowing for remote installation and removal without the need for ladders, by applying forces along the longitudinal axis to press and release the cover assembly onto the sprinkler assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers manually install cover plates by climbing ladders or scaffolding for each sprinkler, then installation can be completed, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote installation tool as an intermediary device that allows workers to install cover plates from the ground level. The tool includes an extension shaft that reaches up to the sprinkler location, with a gripping mechanism that can hold and install the cover plate without requiring the worker to climb ladders or scaffolding for each sprinkler.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the working dimension by extending the installation capability vertically through a telescopic extension shaft. This allows the worker to operate from ground level while the tool reaches up to ceiling-mounted sprinklers, effectively adding vertical reach without requiring vertical worker movement.
2Ease of operation
If workers repeatedly climb and descend ladders or scaffolding to install multiple sprinkler covers, then all sprinklers can be installed, but labor costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote installation tool is designed as a universal device that can install cover plates for multiple sprinklers in sequence. The tool includes interchangeable gripping mechanisms that can accommodate different cover plate sizes and types, making it a multi-functional tool that replaces the need for multiple specialized installation approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension shaft of the tool is designed to be telescopic and adjustable, allowing it to dynamically change length based on the distance to different sprinkler locations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the tool to maintain ease of operation across varying installation scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-length tools.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective installation of cover assemblies on sprinkler systems by extending the reach of operators, reducing the need for repeated ladder use and minimizing installation time and labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fingers flexibly protruding from the body portion. The plurality of fingers may be adapted to releasably engage a cover assembly. The plurality of fingers and the body portion cooperate to retain the cover assembly in a first direction and allow disengagement of the cover assembly in a second direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation tool may include an extension member, a body portion disposed on the extension member, and a plurality of fingers flexibly protruding from the body portion. The plurality of fingers are adapted to releasably engage a cover assembly. The plurality of fingers and the body portion cooperate to retain the cover assembly in a first direction and allow disengagement of the cover assembly in a second direction.