Upright Sprinkler Nozzle Layout to Eliminate Spray Shadowing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional upright sprinklers face issues with spray pattern shadowing due to the positioning of the heat-sensitive activation member and nozzle arrangement above the water distribution pipe, making downward spraying difficult, and requiring different sprinkler variations for different spray patterns, with no easy replacement of these components when connected to a dry or wet conduit system.

Innovation Solution

The sprinkler design features a heat-sensitive valve assembly positioned above a conduit with a nozzle arrangement below, allowing fluid connection via channels, enabling downward spraying without obstruction, and allowing easy replacement of the heat-sensitive member and nozzle arrangement without replacing the entire sprinkler.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the heat-sensitive activation member and nozzle arrangement are positioned above the water distribution pipe in conventional upright sprinklers, then the sprinkler structure is simplified, but the pipe causes significant shadowing to the spray pattern and downward spraying becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler structureVSAvoidspray pattern quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the nozzle arrangement below the water distribution pipe instead of above it. This inversion eliminates the shadowing problem caused by the pipe while maintaining structural simplicity, allowing unobstructed downward spray patterns at all angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If the nozzle arrangement and heat-sensitive member are built into the sprinkler body, then the sprinkler structure is more compact, but different sprinkler variations are required for separate sprinkler versions and different spray patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler structureVSAvoidspray pattern variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sprinkler into modular components: a reusable sprinkler body and replaceable nozzle arrangements. The nozzle arrangement can be detached and replaced with different versions to achieve different spray patterns, eliminating the need for completely different sprinkler variations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sprinkler body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of nozzle arrangements. This multi-functional design allows a single sprinkler body to support different spray patterns and configurations by simply changing the nozzle arrangement, enhancing adaptability without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the nozzle arrangement and heat-sensitive member are built into the sprinkler body, then the structure is more integrated, but replacement of these components requires replacing the entire sprinkler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesprinkler integrationVSAvoidcomponent replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sprinkler into separable modules: a permanent sprinkler body and detachable nozzle arrangements. This segmentation allows the nozzle arrangement to be replaced independently without replacing the entire sprinkler, significantly easing maintenance and repair operations while preserving integrated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 achieves unobstructed downward spraying at all angles, eliminates shadowing, and facilitates easy replacement of components for different spray patterns, maintaining operational efficiency and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

when a temperature of the heat-sensitive element exceeds a predefined value, the heat-sensitive element is adapted to deform or break

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

upon the deforming or breaking of the heat sensitive element, the biasing element and/or a pressurized fluid present in the conduit enables automated movement of the spindle to the activated position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

sprays the fluid through the nozzle arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS12599794B2Upright sprinkler and a sprinkler system

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MARIOFF CORP OY

AI summary

An upright sprinkler is disclosed. The sprinkler comprises a housing having a conduit extending therethrough, a heat-sensitive valve assembly configured above the conduit, and a nozzle arrangement configured below the conduit. The nozzle arrangement is fluidically connected to the conduit via the valve assembly, such that actuation of the valve assembly enables the flow of a fluid from the conduit to the nozzle arrangement via the valve assembly and further sprays the fluid at different downward-facing angles through the nozzle arrangement.