Multi-arm toggle joint for dry sprinkler pressure management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry sprinkler systems face challenges in handling large inlet cross-sections and high pressures, as the pressure forces can prematurely trigger heat-sensitive elements due to their limited mechanical load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-arm toggle joint is arranged between the sprinkler and the pipeline, acting at an angle to distribute and reduce the pressure force, allowing for a gas-tight closure with an adjustable sealing element, enabling the use of dry sprinklers with small ampoules on systems with large flow rates and high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heat-sensitive element with small diameter is used in a sprinkler system with large inlet cross-section and high pressure, then the sprinkler can be triggered at the correct temperature, but the high pressure causes premature triggering due to excessive force on the element
Solution Approach 1:
A lever mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the high-pressure water system and the heat-sensitive element. The lever transfers and transforms the triggering force, allowing the heat-sensitive element to respond only to thermal effects while the lever handles the mechanical force transmission from the pressure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the heat-sensitive element handles temperature detection independently, while the lever mechanism handles force transmission separately. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without being compromised by the other's requirements.
2Productivity
If the inlet cross-section of the pipeline is increased to achieve higher flow rates, then more extinguishing water can be delivered, but the pressure forces become too high for small ampoules to withstand
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the relationship between pipeline pressure and ampoule loading. It allows the system to maintain high pressure for adequate flow rate while the lever transforms this into appropriate triggering force conditions for the small ampoule.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism changes the mechanical parameter transmission by providing mechanical advantage or disadvantage depending on configuration. This allows the system to operate with high pressure parameters in the main line while presenting lower effective force parameters to the heat-sensitive element.
3Reliability
If a toggle joint is used to reduce pressure forces on the heat-sensitive element, then premature triggering is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle joint provides a dynamic mechanical advantage that automatically adjusts based on the position and loading conditions. When the system is in normal operation, the toggle configuration provides maximum mechanical advantage to protect the heat-sensitive element. When triggering occurs, the geometry changes and the mechanical advantage decreases, allowing easy actuation.
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 configuration allows dry sprinklers with small ampoules to handle large inlet cross-sections and high pressures by distributing pressure forces effectively, preventing premature triggering and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-arm toggle joint which is arranged between the load axis of a triggering element of the sprinkler and a sealing element and at an angle of between 100 and 80 degrees, preferably at an approximately right angle
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a multi-arm toggle joint (6) that is arrangd in T-shaped housing (1). The multi-arm toggle joint is movable between a loading axis (19) of a trigger element and sealing element. The multi-arm toggle joint is arranged at an angle of 80-120[deg] . The multi-arm toggle joint is provided with four articulated arms (6.1) and four articulations (6.2). A connecting adapter (3) is arranged between the housing and the pipeline.