Adjustable Flue Pipe Assembly with Integrated Electrical Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flue pipe assemblies for domestic gas appliances face instability in pipe connections, leading to potential gas leakage and length adjustment challenges, as they often rely on non-standard or improperly assembled components, lacking reliable mechanical and electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A flue pipe assembly with movably connected pipe sections and electrical conductors that adjust length, featuring a connector assembly with male and female connectors, latching members, and a restriction member to ensure secure mechanical and electrical connections, allowing for flexible length adjustment and prompt feedback on disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flue pipes are assembled using nonstandard pipes or workers without professional training, then installation cost is reduced, but connection stability deteriorates causing gas leakage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The flue pipe system is divided into modular pipe sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each section can be independently assembled using the standardized connector assembly, enabling simplified installation while maintaining connection stability through consistent mechanical and electrical coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention standardizes critical connection parameters including connector dimensions, electrical conductor configurations, and mechanical engagement forces. By fixing these parameters across all pipe sections, the system achieves both ease of assembly and reliable connections without requiring specialized training or nonstandard components.
2Manufacturing precision
If flue pipes with fixed length are used according to standards, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but installation flexibility deteriorates requiring pipe cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The flue pipe system transitions from fixed-length pipes to an adjustable configuration where multiple pipe sections can be connected in series with movable connections. This dynamic arrangement allows the overall pipe assembly length to be adjusted during installation to match various spatial requirements while each individual section maintains standardized manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using single fixed-length pipes, the system employs multiple standardized pipe sections that can be combined in different quantities and configurations. This segmentation enables flexible length adjustment through assembly rather than cutting, preserving manufacturing precision while achieving installation adaptability.
3Loss of information
If electrical conductors are added to provide disconnection feedback, then safety monitoring is improved, but mechanical connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor connection and mechanical pipe connection are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The electrical conductors are routed through and secured by the same mechanical connector that joins pipe sections, ensuring that electrical connectivity is maintained whenever mechanical connection is established, thus improving both monitoring reliability and mechanical connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves as an intermediary element that simultaneously provides both mechanical coupling and electrical connection functions. This intermediary structure ensures that the electrical conductors are properly positioned and secured during mechanical assembly, preventing separate electrical connection issues while maintaining robust mechanical joining.
4Reliability
If pipe sections are rigidly connected for stability, then connection reliability is improved, but length adjustment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates movable connection mechanisms that allow pipe sections to be adjusted along the longitudinal axis. The electrical conductors are configured with sufficient slack and routing flexibility to maintain electrical continuity during this movement, enabling both stable connection and length adjustment in the same assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductor routing incorporates flexible elements such as flexible conduits or slack cables that can accommodate longitudinal movement between pipe sections. This flexibility allows the mechanical connection to be adjusted for length while the electrical conductors remain intact and functional throughout the adjustment range.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a flue pipe assembly for a gas appliance including at least a first pipe section and a second pipe section, and a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor attached to the first and the second pipe sections respectively. The first electrical conductor is electrically connected with the second electrical conductor via an electrical connector assembly when the first pipe section is assembled with the second pipe section in a longitudinal direction. The first and the second pipe sections are movably connected in the longitudinal direction to adjust the total length of the flue pipe assembly.