Dry Sprinkler Valve Assembly for On-Site Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dry sprinkler systems require precise fabrication and long lead times due to custom measurement needs, leading to delays and increased costs, as they must be custom-made for specific lengths, which is not feasible for on-site installation like wet sprinkler systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal trigger assembly with a flexible Bowden cable and a thermally responsive element allows for remote mechanical actuation of a valve, enabling on-site assembly and installation of a dry sprinkler equivalent to a wet sprinkler system, with the ability to adjust length and avoid complex pressure regulation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dry sprinklers are custom-made for specific lengths, then the sprinkler system can be precisely fitted to the installation space, but the manufacturing time and delivery lead time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dry sprinkler system is divided into separate components: a standard sprinkler head and a separately installed actuating mechanism with rod. This allows the sprinkler head to be a standard off-the-shelf item while the rod length can be adjusted during installation to fit specific spaces, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating rod length can be dynamically adjusted during installation to accommodate varying distances between the sprinkler head and the water supply line. This dynamic adaptability allows installers to configure the system on-site without waiting for custom-made sprinklers, significantly reducing lead time while maintaining precise fit.
2Manufacturing precision
If dry sprinklers are custom-made for specific lengths, then the sprinkler can be precisely aligned with the installation space, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the sprinkler head from the actuating mechanism, the system allows standard sprinkler heads to be used with simple, modular actuating components. This segmentation reduces installation complexity compared to custom-made integrated sprinklers, as standard components can be installed using conventional methods while the rod provides the necessary alignment adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod length parameter can be changed during installation to achieve precise alignment. This parameter adjustability simplifies the installation process by allowing on-site configuration rather than requiring pre-fabricated custom-length sprinklers, reducing both complexity and cost.
3Strength
If rigid tube dry sprinklers are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the installation flexibility is reduced due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating rod can be installed at various angles and positions to accommodate different spatial configurations. This dynamic installation capability provides flexibility in adapting to various architectural and structural conditions while the rigid rod maintains structural integrity for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation parameters of the rod (length, angle, position) can be changed to suit different installation environments. This parameter variability allows the system to adapt to diverse structural conditions while maintaining the structural integrity needed for reliable operation.
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
This solution enables rapid and flexible installation of dry sprinkler systems, reducing lead times and costs by allowing the use of standard, laboratory-certified automatic sprinkler heads, and providing immediate fire protection without the need for custom manufacturing, while also offering enhanced protection against vandalism and accidental activation.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached. The thermally responsive element is configured to lose structural integrity upon the predetermined thermodynamic condition.
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.