Electrically Actuated Sprinkler Valve Trim for Compact Remote Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire protection systems with mechanical valve trims occupy significant space and require on-site maintenance, limiting personnel's ability to troubleshoot and maintain the systems effectively.
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 visual confirmation and allowing for remote reporting of system anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical valve trim is used in fire protection systems, then the system can be operated and controlled mechanically, but the installation space required is large and maintenance requires on-site personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve trim with an electrically actuated valve assembly that uses solenoid valves and electronic control components. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical operating mechanisms while maintaining valve control functionality, thereby reducing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential control function from the mechanical valve trim and implements it through separate electrical components (solenoid valves, controllers, sensors). This allows the mechanical components to be minimized or eliminated while preserving the core operational capability through electrical actuation.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical valve trim is used in fire protection systems, then the system can be controlled locally, but maintenance and troubleshooting require on-site personnel observation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors, detectors, and communication interfaces that provide real-time feedback on system status, valve position, and operational parameters. This feedback mechanism enables remote monitoring and diagnostics, allowing maintenance personnel to assess system conditions and troubleshoot issues without being physically present at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control and indication mechanisms with electrical and electronic systems that can transmit operational data remotely. This substitution enables maintenance personnel to monitor and diagnose system issues through electronic interfaces rather than requiring direct mechanical interaction at the site.
3Area of stationary object
If electrical components are used to reduce installation space, then the space requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a controller that performs multiple functions including valve actuation, system monitoring, data logging, and communication. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system achieves space reduction without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component handles multiple tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electrical actuation components, sensing elements, and control logic into an integrated assembly. This merging of functions into unified components reduces the overall space required compared to separate mechanical systems while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of discrete parts.
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 the need for on-site personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve is of the type that uses electromagnetic force to open or close
Implementation Method 2
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
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 from the inlet to the valve body and outlet. The methods 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.