Threaded Sprinkler Drop Assembly for Variable Ceiling Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler systems lack the ability to efficiently adjust sprinkler head height and orientation, particularly in installations with varying drop ceiling heights, which complicates the installation process and requires additional time and ad hoc solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fire sprinkler assembly featuring an adjustable drop and bracket hub with a flexible conduit, where the inner and outer casings have corresponding threading to allow rotation and adjustment of the sprinkler head's axial height, and a bellow mechanism for contraction and expansion to facilitate height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position sprinkler head installation is used, then the support assembly can hold the sprinkler securely, but the sprinkler head height cannot be adjusted for varying drop ceiling heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drop assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The inner casing can rotate relative to the outer casing through threaded engagement, allowing the sprinkler head height to be dynamically adjusted to match varying drop ceiling heights while maintaining secure support during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sprinkler head height is adjusted during or after installation, then adaptability to varying ceiling heights is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the adjustable drop assembly with the sprinkler head attached before final installation. The threaded connection between inner and outer casings allows for quick height adjustment without requiring complex field modifications or additional components, reducing on-site installation time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable mechanism is added to modify sprinkler head position, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the inner casing inside the outer casing, with the inner casing containing the sprinkler head and flexible conduit. The threaded connections between nested components provide adjustment capability while maintaining a compact, integrated structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
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 reduces installation time by allowing for precise adjustment of sprinkler head height and orientation, improving installation efficiency and eliminating the need for pre-installed marks or complex visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
the inner casing including a bellow, the bellow comprising a first tube and a support ring
Implementation Method 2
the inner and outer casings including corresponding threading to permit rotation between the inner casing and the outer casing to adjust an axial height
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are example aspects of a fire sprinkler assembly and a method for adjusting the height of an adjustable drop. In one aspect, the fire sprinkler assembly can comprise a bracket hub coupled to a bracket bar; a flexible conduit; an adjustable drop coupled to the bracket hub, the adjustable drop defining a lengthwise axis oriented transverse to the bracket bar, and the adjustable drop comprising: an inner casing, wherein the flexible conduit is directly coupled to the inner casing; and an outer casing surrounding the inner casing, the inner and outer casings including corresponding threading to permit rotation between the inner casing and the outer casing to adjust an axial height, along the lengthwise axis, of the inner casing; and a sprinkler head extending from the adjustable drop.