Fusible mechanical linkages for fire suppression systems
A fusible mechanical linkage includes a tensioner having an aperture and a spool with guides arranged on an end of the spool opposite the aperture. The guides define a cable seat between one another. A fusible alloy is arranged between the spool and the tensioner, the fusible alloy fixing the spool to the tensioner below a predetermined temperature, the fusible alloy allowing tension carried by an actuation cable received in the cable seat to rotate the spool relative to the tensioner above the predetermined temperature. Fire suppression systems and methods adjusting actuation cables in fire suppression systems are described.
1. A fusible mechanical linkage, comprising:
a tensioner having an aperture;
a spool with guides arranged on an end of the spool opposite a portion of the spool located within the aperture, the guides defining a cable seat therebetween; and a fusible alloy disposed between the spool and the tensioner, the fusible alloy fixing the spool to the tensioner below a predetermined temperature and allowing tension carried by an actuation cable extending through the cable seat to rotate the spool relative to the tensioner at temperatures above the predetermined temperature.
2. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the tensioner has a cleat arranged for palming in a one-handed twisting motion.
3. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the tensioner has a catch connected to the tensioner, the catch longitudinally offset from the aperture.
4. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 3 , wherein the catch has a notch and a ramp arranged on laterally opposite sides of the catch.
5. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 3 , wherein the catch has a column body connected on an end to the tensioner.
6. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 3 , wherein the catch has a cleat.
7. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 3 , wherein the catch is a first catch and further comprising a second catch connected to the tensioner on a side of the spool longitudinally opposite the first catch.
8. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the spool comprises a column, fixed to the tensioner by the fusible alloy, the spool guides defined by knob portions connected to the column and separated by the cable seat.
9. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 8 , further comprising an actuation cable extending through the cable seat and between the knob portions, the actuation cable wrapping about exterior surface portions of the column.
10. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the spool comprises a plate member, fixed to the tensioner by the fusible alloy, the spool guides defined by cleats connected to the tensioner by the plate member.
11. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 10 , further comprising an actuation cable extending through the cable seat and between the cleats, the actuation cable wrapping about exterior surface portions of the cleats.
12. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fusible alloy comprises a metallic material having a melting point that is about the same as a fire fueled by cooking oil or grease.
13. The fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fusible alloy comprises solder or braze.
14. A fire suppression system, comprising:
a fusible mechanical linkage as recited in claim 1 ;
an actuation cable extending through the cable seat; and
a valve operably connected to the actuation cable and arranged to issue suppressant into a protected space,
wherein the tensioner has first and second catches having notches and connected to the tensioner, the first catch longitudinally offset from the aperture, the second catch connected to the tensioner on a side of the spool longitudinally opposite the first catch, wherein the actuation cable extends through the notches of the first and second catches.
15. The fire suppression system as recited in claim 14 , wherein the spool comprises a column connected to the tensioner by the fusible alloy and guides defined by knob portions connected to the tensioner by the column, the actuation cable wrapping about exterior surface portions of the column.
16. The fire suppression system as recited in claim 14 , wherein the spool comprises a plate member connected to the tensioner by the fusible alloy and guides defined by cleats connected to the tensioner by the plate member, the actuation cable wrapping about exterior surface portions of the cleats.
17. A method of adjusting a fire suppression system actuation cable, comprising:
seating an actuation cable in a fusible mechanical linkage comprising a tensioner having an aperture, a spool with guides arranged on an end of the spool opposite a portion of the spool located within the aperture, the guides defining a cable seat therebetween, and fusible alloy arranged between the spool and the tensioner; and
rotating the fusible mechanical linkage about the actuation cable, the actuation cable wrapping about spool to load the actuation cable in tension.
18. The method as recited in claim 17 , further comprising seating the actuation cable in first and second catches, the first catch connected to the tensioner and longitudinally offset from the aperture, the second catch connected to the tensioner on a side of the spool longitudinally opposite the first catch.
19. The method as recited in claim 17 , further comprising:
heating the fusible alloy; and
rotating the spool relative to the tensioner, the actuation cable unwrapping from the spool to release tension from the actuation cable.
20. The method as recited in claim 17 , further comprising:
rotating the fusible mechanical linkage to release the actuation cable tension;
servicing an element of the fire suppression system; and
rotating the fusible mechanical linkage about the actuation cable, the actuation cable wrapping about spool to again load the actuation cable in tension.