Wall-Mountable Spray Head With Thermal Detection for Lower Water Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems in residential properties face challenges such as high cost, water damage, complexity, and difficulty in retrofitting, while alternative systems lack demonstrable equivalence to conventional sprinklers, limiting their acceptance due to regulatory uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mountable spray head unit with a rotatable spray manifold and thermal sensors that can detect fire location efficiently, allowing for precise delivery of fire-suppressant material, reducing water usage and installation complexity, and resembling standard fixtures for aesthetic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sprinkler systems are installed, then fire suppression performance is ensured, but cost and water damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head assembly is made rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spray direction to target the fire location precisely. This dynamic capability enables concentrated water delivery to the fire source rather than widespread spraying, reducing overall water consumption while maintaining effective suppression performance
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal sensors detect the fire location and provide feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the spray head orientation and water flow accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures water is delivered precisely where needed based on real-time thermal detection, optimizing water usage efficiency
2Reliability
If conventional sprinkler systems are installed, then fire suppression performance is ensured, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a wall-mounted spray head unit with rotatable assembly, separate thermal sensing elements, and integrated control logic. This segmentation allows for simpler installation and maintenance compared to conventional sprinkler systems, reducing installation complexity while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head unit combines multiple functions including water delivery, thermal detection, and rotational positioning in a single integrated component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and simplifies installation compared to conventional sprinkler systems that require multiple discrete components
3Loss of substance
If alternative fire suppression systems are used, then cost and water usage are reduced, but regulatory acceptance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates with significantly reduced water flow requirements compared to conventional sprinklers, using approximately 5.6 litres per minute versus over 100 litres per minute for the same room size. This parameter change in water consumption maintains effectiveness while reducing overall water usage, addressing both cost and regulatory concerns
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 system provides effective fire suppression comparable to conventional sprinklers with reduced water consumption, lower installation costs, and minimal disruption, while meeting regulatory standards and maintaining a discreet appearance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal sensor configured to sense in the plane
Data Source
AI summary
A wall-mountable spray head unit (11) is described. The spray head unit includes a rotatable spray head assembly (81, 82; FIG. 9, 83; FIG. 17) which comprises a spray manifold (181, 182; FIG. 9) rotatable about a first axis (17), a spray nozzle (19) supported by the spray manifold and orientated to deliver fire-suppressant material radially in a plane in a plane defined by the first axis and a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis, and at least one thermal sensor (20).