Thermal Trigger Assembly for Remote Dry Sprinkler Actuation
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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, and existing flexible tube designs often result in leakage issues and installation limitations.
Innovation Solution
A thermal trigger assembly with a flexible connector and thermally responsive elements allows for remote mechanical actuation of fire protection system components, enabling on-site fabrication and installation similar to wet sprinkler systems, with the ability to use conventional automatic sprinkler heads and reduce water requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dry sprinklers are custom-made with precise length measurements, then the sprinkler system can be properly installed in unheated areas, but the installation time and delivery lead time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dry sprinkler device is divided into separate modular components: a valve assembly that can be installed in heated areas and a flexible drop tube with sprinkler head that extends into unheated areas. This segmentation allows the valve to be manufactured separately with standard dimensions, eliminating the need for custom-length fabrication of the entire assembly and reducing delivery lead times while maintaining installation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible drop tube instead of a rigid custom-length tube. This flexible component can be cut to various lengths on-site and bent to accommodate different installation geometries, allowing installers to adapt the system to specific spatial requirements without requiring pre-fabricated custom-length components, thus reducing manufacturing time while maintaining installation precision.
2Reliability
If rigid tube dry sprinklers are used to maintain seal integrity, then water leakage is prevented, but the installation flexibility and adaptability to different ceiling heights are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible drop tube made of flexible material that can be bent and shaped to reach from the valve assembly to the sprinkler head at various ceiling heights and positions. This flexible tube maintains seal integrity through its design and the valve mechanism while providing the adaptability to accommodate different installation geometries, eliminating the need for rigid custom-length tubes.
3Temperature
If thermally responsive elements are used for remote actuation, then the system can be activated in unheated areas, but the complexity of the activation mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible connector as an intermediary mechanical linkage that transmits the actuation force from the thermally responsive element at the remote sprinkler head location back to the valve assembly. This allows the thermal sensing and activation function to be located in the unheated area while using a relatively simple mechanical transmission mechanism rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
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 faster, cost-effective installation of dry sprinkler systems, reduces water usage, and provides flexible installation options without the need for custom-made components, improving fire protection efficiency and reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally responsive element retained by the distal base until a predetermined thermodynamic condition occurs. The thermally responsive element is configured to lose structural integrity under 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 with a distal base, a distal movable member, a proximal base, a proximal movable member, and a bias member biasing the proximal movable member from a preactivation position to an activated position located proximally of the preactivation position. A thermally responsive element is retained by the distal base, loses structural integrity under occurrence of a predetermined thermodynamic condition, and thereby allows the distal movable member to move from a preactivation position to an activated position with respect to the distal base. A flexible connector connects the proximal movable member to the distal movable member. Upon the loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element, a biasing force from the bias member causes a movement of the proximal movable member from the preactivation position to the activated position.