Upright Sprinkler Deflector for Low Clearance Storage Fire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection systems for storage occupancies, particularly those with rack storage and low clearance between commodities and ceilings, face high hydraulic demand and operational limitations, leading to increased costs and restricted storage arrangements due to the need for in-rack sprinklers and limited spray pattern performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an upright fire protection sprinkler with a unique deflector design that generates an innovative spray pattern, providing effective fluid distribution with a lower total fluid demand, capable of overlapping patterns for comprehensive coverage in low clearance areas without the need for in-rack sprinklers, using a sprinkler frame with a body and deflector that distributes fluid in a centered pattern with specific density zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fire protection systems are used in storage occupancies with rack storage and low clearance, then fire protection coverage is provided, but hydraulic demand is high and storage arrangements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spray pattern parameters by using a deflector with specific geometric features (annular configuration, radial vanes, curved surfaces) to redistribute water flow density. This transforms the conventional spray pattern into a modified pattern that concentrates fluid in low clearance zones while reducing overall hydraulic demand by 20-40% compared to standard sprinklers.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector creates non-uniform spray distribution with different fluid densities in different zones. The spray pattern provides high fluid density (at least 15 gpm/sq ft) in the low clearance area within 10 feet of the sprinkler, while allowing lower density in other areas. This local quality variation enables effective fire protection in critical zones without requiring high hydraulic demand system-wide.
2Reliability
If conventional sprinklers are used, then standard fire protection is provided, but spray pattern performance is limited and in-rack sprinklers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The modified sprinkler with specialized deflector performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate devices. It provides both ceiling-level fire protection and low clearance zone coverage in a single unit, eliminating the need for additional in-rack sprinklers. The deflector's annular configuration with radial vanes creates a universal spray pattern effective for both high and low clearance fire scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect to spray distribution by using the deflector to create vertical and radial variations in fluid density. The spray pattern extends differently in vertical versus horizontal dimensions, with concentrated coverage in the low clearance zone below the sprinkler. This dimensional redistribution allows single-sprinkler coverage of areas that would traditionally require multiple devices.
3Area of stationary object
If standard spray patterns are used, then conventional fluid distribution is achieved, but coverage in low clearance areas is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector incorporates curved surfaces including an annular configuration with radial vanes and parabolic or spherical curvature elements. These curved geometries redirect water flow to concentrate fluid density in the low clearance zone within 10 feet of the sprinkler. The curvature transforms the conventional radial spray into a focused pattern that penetrates and distributes fluid effectively in the critical low clearance 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
The solution reduces hydraulic demand and provides flexible installation options for fire protection in storage occupancies by ensuring adequate fluid distribution in low clearance areas, effectively addressing fires in Group A plastics and other commodities with reduced water flow rates and sprinkler density, while maintaining effective coverage and penetration.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector distributes fluid discharged from the outlet in a spray pattern below the sprinkler, the spray pattern being centered about the sprinkler axis and defined by a fluid density in a first quadrant area 2.5 feet (ft.) below the sprinkler
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection sprinkler includes a sprinkler frame and a deflector. The deflector is coupled to the sprinkler frame and distributes fluid discharged from an outlet of the sprinkler in a spray pattern centered about a sprinkler axis and defined by a fluid density in a first quadrant area 2.5 feet (ft.) below the sprinkler and perpendicular to the sprinkler axis, the first quadrant area having a first corner disposed along the sprinkler axis with a first edge extending in the direction of a fluid supply pipe, a second edge extending perpendicular to the first edge and intersecting the first edge at the sprinkler axis, the first quadrant area being defined by a grid of one square foot areas totaling an area of no more than 10 ft.×10 ft., the total fluid density being at least 15 gpm/sq. ft.