Concealed Space Sprinkler Deflector for Extended Protection Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems for combustible concealed spaces are limited to an effective depth range of no more than thirty-six inches, restricting the size of concealed spaces that can be protected.
Innovation Solution
The use of automatic sprinklers with enhanced thermal responsiveness and specific sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing, along with a firefighting fluid supply system, allows for an effective depth range of up to sixty inches or more, providing increased fire protection in larger concealed spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If known automatic sprinklers with fast response (RTI of 32) and standard deflector design are used, then the sprinkler activates quickly in response to heat, but the effective depth range is limited to no more than thirty-six inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the deflector geometry parameters, specifically increasing the deflector diameter to 2 inches or greater and adjusting the tine configuration, to extend the effective depth range beyond 36 inches while maintaining fast response characteristics (RTI of 32). This parameter change allows the sprinkler to effectively cover deeper concealed spaces without sacrificing activation speed.
2Length of stationary object
If the concealed space depth is increased beyond thirty-six inches, then larger concealed spaces can be protected, but the standard sprinkler systems become ineffective due to limited reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deflector parameters (diameter ≥2 inches, modified tine spacing and length) to extend the water distribution reach beyond 36 inches, enabling reliable fire protection in deeper concealed spaces while maintaining system effectiveness through optimized spray pattern and coverage area.
3Area of stationary object
If the deflector diameter is increased to extend coverage area, then the sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing can be increased, but the standard deflector design with 1-11/16 inch diameter limits the maximum coverage area to 144 square feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the deflector diameter to 2 inches or greater and modifies the tine configuration (spacing, length, and arrangement) to expand the coverage area beyond 144 square feet, allowing for increased sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing while maintaining adequate water distribution and coverage throughout the enlarged protected area.
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 enables fire protection in concealed spaces up to sixty inches or more, exceeding the limitations of existing systems, with improved sprinkler coverage and activation time, enhancing fire safety in larger concealed spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The triggers of known concealed space sprinklers are embodied as thermally responsive glass bulbs
Implementation Method 2
The deflector is a generally planar member with a central portion axially aligned with the passageway and an outer peripheral portion circumscribed about the central portion to define a substantially circular periphery
Data Source
AI summary
Fire protection system and methods for concealed spaces providing for effective fire protection over an effective depth range measuring from a minimum six inches up to a maximum that is greater than thirty-six inches. A combustible concealed space that includes an upper deck and a ceiling deck spaced about a longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the ceiling deck with a fire protection system having a firefighting fluid supply pipe and at least one automatic upright sprinkler coupled to the fluid supply pipe and positioned to define an effective depth range that measures from six inches to a maximum of at least sixty inches.