Automatic Sprinkler Intake Valve for Live Water-Line Head Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire-suppression sprinkler systems require costly and time-consuming pipe capping and uncapping procedures during pressure testing and leak repairs, leading to potential water damage and increased costs due to the need to shut off the water supply for installation and removal of sprinkler heads.
Innovation Solution
A fire-suppression sprinkler assembly with an automatic water-intake valve that opens when a sprinkler head is installed and closes when removed, allowing for quick and easy installation and removal without shutting off the water supply, using a twist mechanism for hand-operated installation and removal without ladders or sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe capping and uncapping procedures are used during pressure testing and leak repairs, then the water supply can be controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is pre-configured with a receptacle and sealing mechanism that automatically engages when a sprinkler head is installed. The spring-loaded plunger and seal are positioned in advance to close the water flow path, eliminating the need for separate capping procedures during pressure testing or repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the valve assembly with the sprinkler head installation interface. The receptacle, seal, and plunger mechanism are integrated into a single unit that automatically controls water flow based on the presence or absence of a sprinkler head, merging multiple functions into one component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the water supply is shut off for sprinkler head installation and removal, then water damage from leaks is prevented, but the installation process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly performs the water flow control function automatically based on the installation state. When a sprinkler head is removed, the plunger is spring-loaded to automatically close the seal and stop water flow without requiring manual intervention or water supply shutdown, enabling quick repairs without water damage risk.
3Strength
If threaded connections with sealant are used for sprinkler head installation, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the threaded connection interface and relocates it to the valve assembly's internal seal mechanism. The seal is positioned within the receptacle to engage with the sprinkler head's outer periphery, eliminating the need for external sealant application while maintaining connection security.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a fire-suppression water-intake valve includes a receptacle and a valve assembly. The receptacle is configured to receive a sprinkler head. And the valve assembly is configured to close in response to removing a sprinkler head from the receptacle, and is configured to open in response to installing a sprinkler head in the receptacle. Such a fire-suppression water-intake valve can allow quick and easy removal and installation of a fire-suppression sprinkler head without shutting a water supply to the valve.