Sprinkler Yoke Lateral Access for Uniform Heat Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection sprinkler yoke structures limit heat flow over thermally responsive elements, leading to variability in thermal operation between different sprinkler assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A yoke structure with an elongate support member and a central region centered between end portions, featuring a triangular heat impact region and lateral access for enhanced heat flow, is designed to seat a thermally responsive element like a frangible glass bulb.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional yoke structure is used to seat the thermally responsive element, then the structural support and alignment are provided, but the heat flow over the thermally responsive element is limited and uneven, leading to variability in thermal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke structure incorporates a lateral access aperture that provides heat flow paths from multiple directions (laterally and axially) to the thermally responsive element, transitioning from a single-direction heat flow path to multi-dimensional heat flow paths. This ensures more uniform thermal exposure across the element surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke structure includes a heat impact region with concentrated thermal exposure zones designed to direct heat flow specifically onto the thermally responsive element through the lateral access aperture, creating localized high heat flow areas that ensure consistent thermal activation across different sprinkler assemblies.
2Reliability
If the yoke structure is designed with enhanced heat flow paths, then the thermal operation uniformity is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a lateral access aperture for heat flow, a heat impact region for thermal concentration, and support portions for structural integrity. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the thermally responsive element, aligns the element axially, directs heat flow through the lateral access aperture, and creates a heat impact region. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 improved yoke structure ensures more uniform heat flow over the thermally responsive element, minimizing variations in thermal operation and enhancing the reliability of fire protection sprinkler assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
heat flow over the inserted bulb end can be limited
Implementation Method 2
the liquid is heated and the glass bulb ruptures in accordance with its nominal operating temperature and thermal sensitivity
Implementation Method 3
heat flow over the thermally responsive element
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic fire protection sprinkler assemblies having a trigger assembly with a thermally responsive element and a yoke that seats and facilitates heat flow over the thermally responsive element. The yoke includes an elongate support member with a central region centered between two end portions with linear portions extending between the central region and the end portions. The yoke defines a heat impact region in which the end of the trigger assembly is received and seated. The yoke also provides a lateral access to define a fluid flow path in fluid communication with the heat impact region to facilitate heat flow over the thermally responsive element.