Sprinkler Head Mounting Structure With Self-Sealing Insertion Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler head mounting structures require complex and inefficient processes involving seal tape winding and sealant application to prevent water leakage, leading to uncomfortable installation postures, potential damage to seal materials, and increased installation time, especially for skilled workers.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure comprising a joint unit with a fitting part, locking unit with flared locking pieces, and actuating unit that allows for airtight sealing without the need for additional seal tape or sealant, enabling easy installation by inserting the joint unit into a coupling unit and pulling it down, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal tape is wound tightly around the threaded part to prevent leakage, then water leakage is prevented, but the seal tape may be cut and winding work must be performed again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the seal tape and sealant from the installation process entirely. Instead of using traditional sealing methods, the invention uses a coupling unit with an insertion hole that directly receives the sprinkler head, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations and reducing the risk of tape cutting or improper application
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit is designed with a built-in sealing mechanism where the insertion hole and fitting part work together to create an airtight connection automatically during the simple insertion motion, without requiring external seal tape or sealant application by the installer
2Reliability
If excessive amount of sealant is applied to the threaded part to prevent leakage, then water leakage is prevented, but sealant flows into the installed portion and adheres the stop valve, hindering sprinkler operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes sealant from the installation process. The coupling unit's insertion hole is designed to create an airtight seal through its structural design rather than relying on sealant, eliminating the risk of sealant flowing into the installed portion and adhering the stop valve
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting part acts as an intermediary element between the coupling unit and the sprinkler head, creating a mechanical seal through its design rather than relying on chemical sealing materials, thus preventing adhesive substances from interfering with the stop valve operation
3Ease of operation
If worker performs installation work facing upwards on folding portable ladder or step stool, then installation can be conducted, but worker must provide proper tightening force despite uncomfortable posture, making even skilled workers difficult to install multiple sprinkler heads evenly and taking long time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed to be self-aligning and self-sealing through its insertion hole and fitting part geometry. The simple insertion motion automatically creates the correct alignment and seal, eliminating the need for skilled workers to manually adjust multiple sprinkler heads while facing upwards, thereby dramatically improving installation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sprinkler head assembly into separate components (coupling unit with insertion hole, fitting part, locking unit) that can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled through a simple insertion motion, making the installation process simpler and faster even for workers in uncomfortable positions
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting structure for a sprinkler head. The mounting structure includes a joint unit, a locking unit, an actuating unit, a head and a coupling unit. The joint unit includes a fitting part provided on the outer surface of the upper portion of the joint unit so that an airtight ring is fitted over the fitting part, a cylindrical part provided under the fitting part, a threaded part provided under the cylindrical part, and a through hole formed in the central portion of the joint unit. The locking unit has on its upper portion a plurality of locking pieces which are inserted into the fitting part. The actuating unit is fitted over the lower portion of the locking unit in such a way as to move up and down. The head has a threaded hole which corresponds to the threaded part. The coupling unit has an insertion hole into which the fitting part is inserted.