Tube Locking Assembly for Stable Sprinkler Reducer Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprinkler mounting systems for fire suppression systems face issues with unstable contact force between the support tube and the reducer due to the ring-shaped structure, leading to potential deformation of the support tube and increased working time during installation.
Innovation Solution
A tube locking device with semielliptical plates and wing pieces that match the angular outer surfaces of the reducer, combined with an elastic tunnel housing and press pieces, ensures secure contact between the support tube and the reducer, preventing idle-rotation and deformation, while allowing for a one-touch installation method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple wing bolts are used to increase close contact force, then the contact force increases, but the working time increases and the support tube deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the contact force application into multiple segments through several press pieces (first press piece, second press piece, third press piece) that are distributed around the reducer. Each press piece applies force at different locations, achieving uniform and stable contact force without requiring multiple bolts, thus reducing installation time while maintaining adequate contact force.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel housing acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits and distributes the closing force uniformly to multiple press pieces. When the tunnel housing is closed, it simultaneously activates all press pieces to apply contact force to the reducer, eliminating the need for sequential bolt tightening and significantly reducing working time while ensuring stable contact force distribution.
2Force
If the support tube is pushed hard to increase close contact force, then the contact force increases, but the initial shape of the support tube is deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The press pieces are designed with specific local geometries that match the reducer's outer surface contours. The first press piece contacts the upper side, the second press piece contacts the lower side, and the third press piece contacts the side surface, distributing force locally at optimal points. This localized force application achieves stable contact without concentrating excessive force that would deform the support tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The press pieces are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and force application based on the reducer's position and orientation. This dynamic adjustment ensures that contact force is applied optimally at each location, maintaining stable contact while preventing deformation of the support tube through controlled, adaptive force distribution.
3Ease of operation
If the reducer is allowed to rotate freely, then the installation is easier, but the contact force becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates asymmetric features including the wing pieces with asymmetric shapes that engage with corresponding features on the reducer, and the press pieces positioned at asymmetric locations (upper, lower, and side surfaces). These asymmetric elements prevent rotation by creating mechanical interlocking, ensuring stable contact force while maintaining ease of installation through the asymmetric wing bolt engagement mechanism.
4Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the reducer, then the reliability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into the tunnel housing structure. The tunnel housing simultaneously serves as the mounting structure, the force transmission mechanism, and the activator for all press pieces. By closing the tunnel housing, all press pieces are activated at once to apply contact force, and the wing bolts secure the entire assembly in one operation. This merging reduces the number of separate components and fasteners needed while maintaining reliable mounting through the integrated design.
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 device provides a stable and efficient locking mechanism that prevents idle-rotation of the reducer and minimizes working time by increasing the contact force between the support tube and the reducer, maintaining the initial shape of the support tube and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a tunnel housing provided between the rotation induction parts, the tunnel housing being elastically fixed to the rotation induction parts while rotating relative to the rotation induction parts
Data Source
AI summary
A tube locking device for a fire suppression system according to the present invention includes: a tube receiving module including opposite tube receiving parts facing each other, connection parts provided on sides of the tube receiving parts so as to connect the tube receiving parts, and rotation induction parts provided between the connection parts by protruding from the tube receiving parts; and a tube fastening module including a tunnel housing provided between the rotation induction parts, the tunnel housing being elastically fixed to the rotation induction parts while rotating relative to the rotation induction parts, a press part protruding from a first end part of the tunnel housing, and a handle part protruding from a second end part of the tunnel housing.