Push-to-Connect Sprinkler Fittings for Confined-Space Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection sprinkler systems face challenges in adjusting the position of sprinklers within confined spaces, such as behind walls or ceilings, due to limited adjustability in threaded connections, which complicates proper positioning and installation, often requiring removal of structural elements and specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a threadless push-to-connect fitting system that allows for adjustable positioning of fire protection sprinklers, featuring a tubular member with a seal and retaining ring for a fluid-tight seal and grip, and a releasing member for easy disengagement, enabling precise placement of the sprinkler deflector relative to the mounting surface without the need for extensive threading or structural removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to secure sprinklers to pipe fittings in confined spaces, then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but adjustability of sprinkler position is limited and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a push-fit coupling that provides fluid-tight sealing and a separate adjustment mechanism that allows positional adjustment without compromising the seal. This segmentation enables independent optimization of sealing reliability and position adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic push-fit system with adjustable positioning capability. The sprinkler can be inserted, positioned, and secured in a single pushing motion, then adjusted dynamically without losing the fluid-tight connection.
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to secure sprinklers in confined spaces, then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but installation time and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The push-fit coupling is pre-configured with sealing elements and gripping mechanisms before installation. The sprinkler is simply pushed into the coupling, which automatically engages the sealing and securing functions in one action, eliminating the time-consuming threading process and tool requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If pipe fittings are located within confined spaces behind walls or ceilings, then sprinkler positioning requirements are met, but access for installation and adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The push-fit coupling acts as an intermediary component that can be installed in confined spaces while providing extended access features. The coupling's external adjustment mechanisms and releasing members allow installation and adjustment operations to be performed from accessible locations without requiring direct access to the confined space where the fitting is located.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable fire protection assemblies and methods are provided. The assembly includes a sprinkler having a body with an outer encasing surface and a deflector supported from the body. An escutcheon having a receiver and a rim surround the fire protection sprinkler to define an aperture between the receiver and the sprinkler. A push-to-connect fitting of the assembly includes a tubular member with an end for connection to a pipe and an internal conduit that receives the sprinkler body. A seal member and a retaining ring are disposed within the tubular member to form an adjustable seal and grip about the sprinkler body. A releasing member translates to disengage the retaining ring from the sprinkler body; and the escutcheon translates with respect to the tubular member in a sliding surface engagement to define an adjustable deflector-to-rim distance between the rim of the escutcheon and the deflector of the sprinkler.