Rotatable Sprinkler Flex Assembly to Prevent Conduit Torque Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible conduits used in fire suppression systems are prone to damage from torque applied during installation or seismic events, leading to leaks and potential failure in delivering fire-suppressing fluid to affected areas.
Innovation Solution
A flexible assembly with rotatable adapter portions and split rings that allow relative rotation between the sprinkler and conduit connections, preventing axial movement and torque transmission, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal through ring seals and spherical surfaces, and a bracket system for secure attachment to the branch line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible conduits are used to connect sprinklers to branch lines, then ease of installation and adjustability are improved, but the conduit becomes vulnerable to torque damage and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the connection to accommodate torque by enabling rotational movement between the portions, preventing torque transmission to the flexible conduit while maintaining a secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter portions are designed to be rotatable relative to one another, introducing dynamic movement capability to the connection. This dynamic feature allows the adapter to absorb and accommodate torque forces through rotation, protecting the flexible conduit from damage while maintaining connection integrity.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used to attach sprinklers to conduits, then secure attachment is achieved, but over-torquing during installation can damage the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable adapter portions provide a dynamic connection that maintains secure attachment through the rotatable joint while allowing the connection to yield to torque forces. This prevents over-torquing damage during installation as the adapter portions can rotate to accommodate installation torque without transmitting it to the flexible conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the threaded sprinkler connection and the flexible conduit. It mediates the torque forces by allowing rotation at the adapter portions, preventing direct transmission of installation torque to the conduit while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If rigid pipe assemblies are used to connect branch lines to sprinklers, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation time increases and adjustability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible conduit with an adapter assembly to replace rigid pipe assemblies. The flexible conduit provides sufficient structural integrity for fire suppression fluid delivery while enabling quick installation and easy adjustability of sprinkler positions relative to the decorative ceiling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into the flexible conduit and the adapter assembly, allowing the rigid structural requirements to be met at the adapter connection points while the flexible conduit provides rapid installation and adjustability throughout its length.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter may be positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler, between the conduit and the branch line, or between the conduit and both the branch line and the sprinkler. The adapter contains a rotating joint which prevents torque from being applied to the conduit. The adapter between the conduit and the sprinkler is received within a bracket. The bracket also receives a cross beam for securing the sprinkler relatively to the branch line.