Upright Sprinkler Deflector Geometry for High-Clearance Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upright fire protection sprinklers do not provide a spray pattern effective for storage protection at heights higher than currently commercially available, lacking guidelines for clearances above three feet from stored commodities.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection sprinkler assembly with a deflector member featuring specific geometries and ratios, generating a non-circular spray pattern with high fluid density at the center and decreasing density towards the perimeter, optimized for storage protection up to four feet below the deflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing upright fire protection sprinklers are used, then standard storage protection is provided, but spray pattern effectiveness is insufficient for storage protection at heights higher than currently commercially available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the deflector member geometry parameters, specifically the ratio of deflector diameter to orifice diameter (D/d) and the distance between deflector and orifice (L/d), to optimize spray pattern distribution for high-clearance storage applications. These parameter changes enable effective fire protection at heights exceeding three feet above stored commodities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional spray patterns to a non-circular spray pattern with specific density distribution characteristics, creating a three-dimensional water distribution profile that maintains high fluid density at the center and decreases toward the perimeter. This dimensional optimization extends protection capability to higher clearance heights.
2Area of stationary object
If a non-circular spray pattern with high central fluid density is generated, then coverage of stored commodities is improved, but fluid distribution beyond six feet from the sprinkler axis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a spray pattern with non-uniform fluid density distribution, concentrating high fluid density in the central region (within six feet of the sprinkler axis) where stored commodities are located, while deliberately reducing fluid density toward the perimeter. This local quality optimization ensures effective coverage of storage areas while minimizing unnecessary fluid distribution beyond the required coverage zone.
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 sprinkler assembly effectively distributes water to wet stored commodities, providing enhanced fire protection with a desired spray pattern that addresses fires between stored items, ensuring thorough coverage and minimizing fluid distribution beyond six feet from the sprinkler axis.
Implementation Method 1
heat-activated element is heated to its thermal rating
Implementation Method 2
water flows from the inlet and is discharged out the outlet to impact the deflector member for distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection sprinkler including a frame body having an inlet, an outlet, defining an internal passageway extending between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis. A dome shaped deflector member is centered, axially aligned with the sprinkler axis, and spaced from the outlet. The deflector member has an outer surface and an inner surface that preferably includes: a peripheral region, a central region and an intermediate region. The intermediate region includes a primary deflecting surface, and a secondary deflecting surface that is surrounded by the primary deflecting surface. The deflector member provides for generation of a non-circular spray pattern defined by four zones of fluid density concentrically formed about the sprinkler axis.