Sprinkler Assembly Rotating Nozzle for Uniform Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler assemblies experience significant energy losses due to fluid impingement on the boss and deflector, leading to increased pressure requirements and higher installation costs for fire protection systems.
Innovation Solution
A sprinkler assembly design featuring a support with an opening aligned along the axis of the body, allowing fluid to flow unimpeded, and a flow-shaper to shape the fluid flow, reducing impediments and energy loss, while a heat-responsive trigger releases the closure device to further minimize pressure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional sprinkler systems are used in confined spaces, then irrigation coverage is achieved, but water distribution uniformity deteriorates due to restricted sprinkler orientation options
Solution Approach 1:
The sprinkler assembly incorporates a rotatable nozzle assembly that can rotate about the spray axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spray pattern. This rotational capability enables the nozzle to distribute water more uniformly across the target area despite confined space constraints, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprinkler system divides the spray function into multiple nozzles arranged around the spray axis. Each nozzle contributes to a portion of the overall coverage area, and their collective operation achieves both adequate coverage and uniform water distribution even when the sprinkler assembly cannot be optimally oriented.
2Ease of operation
If sprinkler assemblies are installed in confined spaces with restricted orientation, then installation flexibility is improved, but spray distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable nozzle assembly allows the spray pattern to be dynamically adjusted after installation in confined spaces. This means the sprinkler can be installed in various orientations (improving installation flexibility) while the rotational mechanism compensates to maintain uniform spray distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spray parameters (direction, angle, coverage pattern) through rotation of the nozzle assembly. This allows the same physical sprinkler assembly to adapt its spray characteristics to compensate for restricted installation orientations, maintaining distribution uniformity regardless of installation constraints.
3Device complexity
If fixed spray pattern sprinklers are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different terrains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable nozzle assembly adds minimal complexity while providing significant adaptability. The mechanism allows the spray pattern to be adjusted for different terrains and application requirements, enabling the same sprinkler design to serve multiple functions across varied agricultural conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable nozzle design makes the sprinkler assembly universal, capable of effectively irrigating different terrain types (flat, sloped, confined spaces) through rotation. This multi-functionality is achieved with relatively simple mechanical components, balancing complexity and versatility.
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 design reduces fluid energy loss, potentially lowering the required supply pressure and allowing for downsized piping and pumps, resulting in cost savings for fire protection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating mechanism, such as a gear assembly or a vane assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3
AI summary
A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support.