Patent Publication Number: US-2023136899-A1

Title: Thermal trigger seat for sprinkler system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/719,034, filed Apr. 12, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/174,736, filed Apr. 14, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Buildings and other areas can include sprinklers to provide fire protection. In the event of a fire, the sprinklers can dispense a fluid to suppress or extinguish the fire or to protect building elements from exposure to heat radiating from the fire. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one aspect is directed to a sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The sprinkler system can include a dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include a deflector portion, a head portion, a thermal trigger portion, a trigger seat, or a tubular outer structure. The tubular outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The trigger seat can include a tubular exterior. The tubular exterior can be coupled with the outer structure. The trigger seat can include a component. The component can occlude a flow of fluid through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The component can maintain the thermal trigger portion in position. At least one portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the water flow channel. The portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing fire protection. The method can include providing a dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include a deflector portion, a head portion, a thermal trigger portion, a trigger seat, or a tubular outer structure. The tubular outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The trigger seat can include a tubular exterior. The tubular exterior can be coupled with the outer structure. The trigger seat can include a component. The component can occlude a flow of fluid through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The component can maintain the thermal trigger portion in position. The method can include disposing at least one portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat to protrude into the water flow channel. The portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis. 
     At least one aspect is directed to a method of providing fire protection. The method can include providing a dry sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The dry sprinkler system can include a deflector portion, a head portion, a thermal trigger portion, a trigger seat, or a tubular outer structure. The tubular outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The trigger seat can include a tubular exterior. The tubular exterior can be coupled with the outer structure. The trigger seat can include a component. The component can occlude a flow of fluid through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The component can maintain the thermal trigger portion in position. At least one portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the water flow channel. The portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an example cross-sectional view of a portion of a sprinkler system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  2    is an example perspective view of a trigger seat of the sprinkler system of  FIG.  1   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  3    is an example perspective view of a trigger seat of the sprinkler system of  FIG.  1   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  4 A  is an example perspective view of a trigger seat of the sprinkler system of  FIG.  1   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  4 B  is an example perspective view of a trigger seat of the sprinkler system of  FIG.  1   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  5    is an example front view of the trigger seat of  FIG.  2   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  6    is an example side view of the trigger seat of  FIG.  2   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  7    is an example cross-sectional view of the trigger seat of  FIG.  2   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  8    is an example perspective view of a trigger seat of the sprinkler system of  FIG.  1   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  9    is an example cross-sectional view of the trigger seat of  FIG.  2   , according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  10    is an example illustration of a process of providing a sprinkler system, according to an example implementation. 
         FIG.  11    is an example illustration of a process of providing fire protection, according to an example implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain examples, it is noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     The present disclosure generally refers to a fire protection sprinkler. The present disclosure refers to a dry pendent fire protection sprinkler assembly configured to disperse water from a sprinkler over a desired area. 
     At least one aspect of the present disclosure is a sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The sprinkler system includes a dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly generally includes a tubular outer structure, a deflector portion, a head portion, a thermal trigger portion, and a trigger seat. The outer structure defines an internal water flow channel extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. The trigger seat includes a tubular exterior positioned parallel with the outer structure. The tubular exterior includes a component to block a flow of fluid through the system and maintain the thermal trigger portion in positon when the system is not activated. The system generally includes at least one portion of the tubular exterior protruding into the water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis. 
     During activation, the thermal trigger portion can be ejected from the system as a response to fire conditions so that fluid can flow through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. The fluid can flow through the internal water flow channel from the inlet towards the outlet. This fluid can make contact or engage with the portion of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat protruding into the water flow channel at an angle. This engagement can cause the trigger seat to be ejected from the system in a lateral direction. 
     Referring generally to the figures, fire protection systems include sprinklers which are configured to inhibit or permit flow of fluid (typically water, but also in some applications fire suppressant fluid) depending upon conditions. In the instance of a fire or detected conditions that may be indicative of a fire (e.g., increased heat, smoke, or other indications), the sprinklers are configured to permit the flow of fluid such that the fluid may contact a deflector and be dispersed so as to provide protection to an area. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a sprinkler system  100 . For example, the sprinkler system  100  can provide fire protection. The sprinkler system  100  can include or can be coupled with a fluid supply to provide fire exposure protection fluid. The sprinkler system  100  can include at least one dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include at least one deflector portion  110 . The deflector portion  110  can be various shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, round). The deflector portion  110  can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). For example, the deflector portion  110  can be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire exposure protection fluid. 
     The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include at least one head portion  115 . The head portion  115  can be various shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, round). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include at least one thermal trigger portion  120 . The thermal trigger portion  120  (e.g., thermal element) can respond to a fire condition. For example, the thermal trigger portion  120  can include a glass tube that includes fluid that expands responsive to a temperature increase (e.g., temperature rise due to a fire), such that the glass tube breaks responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature. The thermal trigger portion  120  can include a fusible link that includes at least two pieces coupled using a solder that can melt responsive to the temperature meeting or exceeding a threshold temperature, as another example. 
     The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include at least one trigger seat  125 . The trigger seat  125  can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The trigger seat  125  can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include at least one outer structure  130 . The outer structure  130  can be tubular in shape. The outer structure  130  can define an internal water flow channel  135 . The internal water flow channel  135  can extend along a longitudinal axis  140  between an inlet  145  and an outlet  150 . For example, the internal water flow channel  135  can receive fire exposure protection fluid from the inlet  145  and distribute the fluid to the outlet  150  when the system is activated. 
     The trigger seat  125  can couple with the outer structure  130 . The trigger seat  125  can be coupled with the outer structure  130  in various ways. For example, the trigger seat  125  can be positioned against the outer structure  130 . The dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include one or more fasteners to couple the trigger seat  125  with the outer structure  130 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can be secured with the outer structure  130  by one or more load screws disposed between the deflector portion and the thermal trigger portion  120  that maintains the thermal trigger portion  120  in position relative to the outer structure  130 , which further causes the trigger seat  125  to maintain in position relative to the outer structure  130 . The trigger seat  125  can be welded to the outer structure  130 . The trigger seat  125  can couple with the outer structure  130  in various ways such that the internal water flow channel  135  extends continuously through the trigger seat, as depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
     The trigger seat  125  can include a tubular exterior  155 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can include an exterior  155  that extends radially about the longitudinal axis  140 . The tubular exterior  155  can extend radially parallel with the outer structure  130  of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . The trigger seat  125  can include at least one component  160  to prevent a flow of fluid through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can include at least one surface (e.g., a flat or curved surface) extending laterally from the tubular exterior  155  to prevent a flow of fluid through the internal water flow channel  135 , as depicted throughout the figures. For example, the trigger seat  125  can include several surfaces that extend from the tubular exterior  155  to prevent a flow of fluid. The trigger seat  125  can include at least one element (e.g., stopper, cap, plug) coupled with the tubular exterior  155  to prevent a flow of fluid, as another example. 
     The trigger seat  125  can maintain the thermal trigger portion  120  in position or the thermal trigger portion  120  can maintain the trigger seat  125  in position. For example, the one or more components  160  (e.g., surfaces) of the trigger seat  125  can include a feature  205  (e.g., an aperture, groove, raised surface, or an insert) to maintain the thermal trigger portion  120  in position, as depicted in at least  FIGS.  1 - 4 B,  8 , and  9   . The component  160  can include any amount of apertures, grooves, surfaces, or other components to maintain the thermal trigger portion  120  in position. For example, the one or more components  160  can include an aperture or groove to maintain a glass tube in place while the system is not in activation. For example, the one or more components  160  can include at least one feature (e.g., fastener, clasp, clamp, aperture, groove, surface) to maintain a fusible link in position. 
     The feature  205  can extend from the surface of the trigger seat  125  in various directions. For example, as depicted in at least  FIGS.  2 ,  4 A,  4 B,  7 ,  8 , and  9   , the feature  205  can protrude from a portion of the surface (e.g., from component  160 ). The feature  205  can protrude in an upward direction, in a downward direction, in a sideways direction, or at an angle. The feature  205  can include one or more angled portions, as depicted in at least  FIG.  9   . For example, the feature  205  can include a cup portion  905  (e.g., angled, flat, stepped, counterbored) that can receive a portion of the thermal trigger portion  120 . The cup portion  905  can be disposed on a first or second side of the trigger seat  125  (e.g., on a side exposed to the exterior or on a side exposed to the internal water flow channel  135 ). The feature  205  can protrude at various heights dependent on a load of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 , for example. The feature  205  can lie flush with the surface of the trigger seat  125 . For example, the feature  205  can include a hole or other opening to receive a portion of the thermal trigger portion  120 , as depicted in at least  FIG.  3   . The feature  205  can be formed directly with the trigger seat  125  during manufacturing of the trigger seat  125  or the feature  205  can attach with the trigger seat  125  via one or more adhesives, fasteners, welded joints, or other components. 
     As depicted in at least  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the trigger seat  125  can include at least one hole  405 , such as a weep hole. The trigger seat  125  can include any amount of holes  405 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can include one hole  405 . The trigger seat  125  can include two holes  405 , as depicted in  FIG.  4 A , and among others. The trigger seat  125  can include three holes  405 , four holes  405 , as depicted in  FIG.  4 B , or more than four holes  405 . The trigger seat  125  can include zero holes  405 . The trigger seat  125  can include the holes  405  at various positions. For example, at least one hole  405  can position along a flat surface of the trigger seat  125  (e.g., along a flat region of the component  160 ), as depicted in at least  FIG.  2   . At least one hole  405  can position along a curved surface of the trigger seat  125  (e.g., along a curved region of the trigger seat  125  between the flat region and a side of the exterior  155 ), as depicted in at least  FIG.  3   . The trigger seat  125  can include at least one hole  405  positioned adjacent to the feature  205 . The trigger seat  125  can include at least one hole  405  positioned at a distance from the feature  205 , as another example. The trigger seat  125  can include holes  405  at any point along the component about the longitudinal axis  140 . For example, the holes  405  can align substantially parallel with one or more frame arms of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . The holes  405  can align substantially parallel with a flap or protrusion of the trigger seat  125  (e.g., portion  165  described herein), as another example. The holes  405  can include a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the holes  405  can be circular, triangular, rectangular, symmetrical, unsymmetrical, oblong, crescent, trapezoidal, any combination, or another shape. The holes  405  can lie flush with the component  160  or the holes  405  can protrude from the component  160 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the trigger seat  125  can include at least one portion protruding into the internal water flow channel  135 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can include a portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  protruding into the internal water flow channel  135 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle towards the longitudinal axis  140 . For example, a portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can extend from the tubular exterior  155  towards the longitudinal axis  140  of the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of at least 5 degrees. The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 6 degrees. The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 7 degrees. The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 8 degrees. The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle larger than 8 degrees. The portion  165  can include a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, rectangular, circular, triangular, symmetrical, unsymmetrical, oblong, crescent, trapezoidal, any combination, or another shape. 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle greater than or equal to 43 degrees from the trigger seat tubular exterior  155  towards the longitudinal axis  140 . For example, the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 43 degrees from the exterior  155 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 44 degrees from the exterior  155 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle greater than 44 degrees from the exterior  155 . 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle less than or equal to 125 degrees from the trigger seat tubular exterior  155 . For example, the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 125 degrees from the exterior  155 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle of 124 degrees from the exterior  155 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  at an angle less than 124 degrees from the exterior  155 . 
     The trigger seat  125  can include at least one component  160  to secure the thermal trigger portion  120  in place until the system  100  is activated. For example, when fire protection fluid is not flowing through the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 , the component  160  can secure the thermal trigger portion  120  in position, as depicted in  FIG.  1   . The component  160  can secure the thermal trigger portion  120  in position until the thermal trigger portion  120  is activated or ejected from the system  100 . 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel  135  such that the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  engages with a flow of fluid from the inlet  145  when the thermal trigger portion  120  is activated. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet  145  can make contact with the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  to eject the trigger seat  125  from the system  100 . 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel  135  such that the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet  145  to eject the trigger seat  125  in a direction to clear the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet  145  can create a downward force against the angled portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat  125  in a direction to eject from the system  100  and clear the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel  135  such that the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet  145  to eject the trigger seat  125  in a direction to clear the deflector portion  110  of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet  145  can create a downward force against the angled portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat  125  in a lateral direction to eject from the system  100  and clear the deflector portion  110  of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can clear any fastening components of the deflector portion  110  of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  when ejected from the system  100 . 
     A diameter  705  can be defined by a lateral extension of the internal water flow channel  135  from a side of an outer surface  710  of the tubular exterior  155  of the trigger seat  125  to an opposing side of the outer surface  710  of the tubular exterior  155 , as depicted in at least  FIG.  7   . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  protruding into the water flow channel  135  can penetrate the diameter  705  of the internal water flow channel  135 . For example, the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can penetrate at least 1% of the diameter  705 . For example, if the diameter  705  is 5 inches, the portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  to penetrate at least 0.05 inches of the diameter  705 . The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 0.5 inches of the diameter  705 , as another example. The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 2.5 inches, as yet another example. 
     The portion  165  of the tubular exterior  155  of the trigger seat  125  can protrude into the internal water flow channel  135  to penetrate up to 100% of the internal water flow channel diameter  705 . For example, the portion  165  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 75% of the internal water flow channel diameter  705 . For example, if the diameter is 3 inches, the portion  165  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 2.25 inches of the diameter  705 . The portion  165  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 50% of the internal water flow channel diameter  705 . For example, if the diameter is 3 inches, the portion  165  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate 1.5 inches of the diameter  705 . The portion  165  can protrude into the water flow channel  135  to penetrate less than 50% of the diameter  705  in another example. 
     As depicted for example in  FIG.  8   , the trigger seat  125  can include at least one aperture  805  positioned on the tubular exterior  155 . For example, the tubular exterior  155  can include a plurality of apertures  805 . The apertures  805  can extend circumferentially about the tubular exterior  155  (e.g., about the longitudinal axis  140 ). The tubular exterior  155  can include apertures  805  that extend circumferentially along the entire exterior  155 , as an example. As another example, the tubular exterior  155  can include apertures  805  only along a portion of the exterior  155  (e.g., along half the exterior  155 , along 25% of the exterior, or along another portion). The apertures  805  can include a variety of shapes or sizes. For example, each aperture  805  can include the same shape or size. The apertures  805  can differ in shape or size, as another example. The apertures  805  can facilitate reducing an overall weight of the trigger seat  125 . For example, at least one aperture  805  can be a through hole of the trigger seat  125  such that the trigger seat  125  includes less material than if the trigger seat  125  did not include any apertures  805 . The trigger seat  125  can include any number of apertures  805 . For example, the trigger seat  125  can include 0 apertures  805 , 1 aperture, 2 apertures, 3 apertures, 4 apertures, 5 apertures, or more. 
     The trigger seat  125  can include at least one visual indicator. For example, the trigger seat  125  or another component of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105  can include one or more different colors (e.g., via colored dyes, black oxide, different materials such as steel or copper) to indicate different components of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . The trigger seat  125  can include at least one marking  810 , as another example. For example, the marking  810  can be disposed on the component  160  and between one or more of the holes  405 . The marking  810  can include a stamping indicating a property of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly  105 . 
       FIG.  10    depicts a method  1000  of providing a sprinkler system to provide fire protection. The method  1000  can include providing a dry pendent sprinkler assembly, as depicted in act  1005 . The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one deflector portion. The deflector portion can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The deflector portion can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one head portion. The head portion can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The head portion can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one thermal trigger portion. The thermal trigger portion (e.g., thermal element) can respond to a fire condition. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one trigger seat. The trigger seat can be various shapes (e.g., tubular, rectangular). The trigger seat can be made of various materials (e.g., metallic, non-metallic). The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one outer structure. The outer structure can be tubular in shape. The outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The internal water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. 
     The method  1000  can include disposing a portion of a tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats of the dry pendent assembly to protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle, as depicted in act  1010 . For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can extend from the tubular exterior towards the longitudinal axis of the internal water flow channel at an angle of at least 5 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 6 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 7 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 8 degrees. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle larger than 8 degrees. 
     The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle greater than or equal to 43 degrees. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 43 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 44 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle greater than 44 degrees from the exterior. 
     The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel at an angle less than or equal to 125 degrees. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 125 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle of 124 degrees from the exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude the internal water flow channel at an angle less than 124 degrees from the exterior. 
     The method  1000  can include securing the one or more thermal trigger portions in position with the trigger seat, as depicted in act  1015 . For example, at least one component of the trigger seat can include an aperture or groove to maintain the thermal trigger portion in position. For example, the one or more components can include an aperture or groove to maintain a glass tube in place while the system is not in activation. For example, the one or more components can include at least one feature to maintain a fusible link in position. 
     The method  1000  can include configuring the portion of the tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats protruding at an angle to engage with a flow of fluid form an inlet, as depicted in act  1020 . The engagement with the flow of fluid can cause the trigger seat to eject from the system. For example, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude at an angle into the internal water flow channel such that the portion makes contact with a flow of fluid from the inlet to eject the trigger seat in a direction to clear the deflector portion of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. For example, the fire protection fluid provided by the inlet can create a downward force against the angled portion of the tubular exterior such that a moment of force directs the trigger seat in a direction to eject from the system and clear the deflector portion of the dry pendent sprinkler assembly. 
     The method  1000  can include configuring the portion of the tubular exterior of the one or more trigger seats protruding at an angle to penetrate a diameter of the internal water flow channel, as depicted in act  1025 . The diameter can be defined by the lateral extension of the internal water flow channel from a side of an outer surface of the tubular exterior of the trigger seat to an opposing side of the outer surface of the tubular exterior. The portion of the tubular exterior protruding into the water flow channel can penetrate at least 1% of the diameter of the internal water flow channel. For example, if the diameter is 5 inches, the portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the internal water flow channel to penetrate at least 0.05 inches of the diameter. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel to penetrate 0.5 inches of the diameter, as another example. The portion of the tubular exterior can protrude into the water flow channel to penetrate 2.5 inches of the diameter, as yet another example. 
       FIG.  11    depicts a method  1100  of providing fire protection. The method  1100  can include providing a dry pendent sprinkler assembly, as depicted in act  1105 . The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one deflector portion. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one head portion. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one thermal trigger portion (e.g., thermal element) to respond to a fire condition. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one trigger seat. The dry pendent sprinkler assembly can include at least one outer structure. The outer structure can define an internal water flow channel. The internal water flow channel can extend along a longitudinal axis between an inlet and an outlet. At least one portion of a tubular exterior of the trigger seat can protrude into the internal water flow channel at an angle towards the longitudinal axis. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to include any given ranges or numbers+/−10%. These terms include insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     The term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     The construction and arrangement of the assembly as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.