Electric Sprinkler Valve Assembly for Remote Testing and Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire protection systems with mechanical valve trims occupy significant space and require on-site maintenance, limiting efficiency and ease of troubleshooting due to the need for visual confirmation and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fluid control assembly with electrically operated control points and fluid detectors, coupled to a controller for remote operation, monitoring, and maintenance, reducing the need for on-site observation and allowing for remote reporting of system anomalies and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical valve trim is used for fire protection systems, then the system can be operated and controlled mechanically, but the installation space requirement increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve trim with an electrically actuated valve assembly. The valve is controlled by an electric motor that rotates a valve member to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for large mechanical handwheels and associated mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical control with electrical actuation significantly reduces the space required for valve operation while maintaining full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically actuated valve assembly integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the electric motor provides actuation, the valve member provides flow control, and the assembly can be controlled remotely through electrical signals. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both flow control and actuation functions within a compact space, addressing the contradiction between operational capability and space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical valve trim is used for fire protection systems, then the system can be manually operated at the site, but the maintenance and troubleshooting require on-site personnel and visual confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation with electrical actuation and remote control. The electric motor receives electrical signals to operate the valve, and the system can be monitored and controlled remotely through electrical connections. This eliminates the need for on-site manual operation and visual confirmation, as all control and monitoring can be performed remotely through electrical means, significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically actuated valve assembly can be controlled and monitored automatically through electrical signals and connections. The system enables remote operation and monitoring capabilities, allowing the valve to be operated and its status to be verified without requiring personnel to physically visit the site. This self-service capability through electrical automation directly addresses the contradiction between on-site operation and maintenance accessibility.
3Area of stationary object
If electrical components are used to reduce installation space, then the space requirement decreases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically actuated valve assembly integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the electric motor provides actuation, the valve member provides flow control, and the assembly can be controlled remotely through electrical signals. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both flow control and actuation functions within a compact space, addressing the contradiction between operational capability and space requirements.
4Productivity
If remote control is implemented, then maintenance efficiency increases, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical operation with electrical actuation and remote control. The electric motor receives electrical signals to operate the valve, and the system can be monitored and controlled remotely through electrical connections. This eliminates the need for on-site manual operation and visual confirmation, as all control and monitoring can be performed remotely through electrical means, significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
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 solution enables compact installation, reduces maintenance complexity, and allows for remote monitoring and troubleshooting of fire protection systems, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure biased diaphragm valve body that has an internal seat and an internal diaphragm member for engaging the seat to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. The diaphragm member defines a fluid chamber to control the engagement between the diaphragm member and the seat
Implementation Method 2
Two electrically operated control points in fluid communication with the fluid chamber control the flow of fluid to and from the fluid chamber to actuate the valve open or closed
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic fluid control assemblies and methods for fire protection include an arrangement of electrically operated control points, a valve body and a controller to operate the fluid control assembly. The automatic fluid control assembly has an inlet, an outlet and a valve body to control flow between the inlet and the outlet. An electric latch includes a first electrically operated control point and a second electrically operated control point in fluid communication with a control line to control the flow of fluid control include controlling a plurality of electrically operated control points to perform any one of: a leak test, a trip test, a flow test, a water delivery test, and a validation test of a non-trip condition and a trip condition.