Adjustable Pipe Coupling for Thermal Expansion in Building Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation and flue gas discharge systems in buildings, particularly in older structures, face issues with corrosion due to condensation, leading to potential safety hazards and require costly, time-consuming replacement processes, especially when upgrading from older combustion devices to newer ones with different flue gas temperature and condensation profiles.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable pipe system with a coupling piece and elongate connecting elements allows for flexible and easy installation without cutting or breaking work, enabling relative movement between pipe segments and coupling pieces to accommodate temperature changes and varying building dimensions, ensuring a gas-tight and liquid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pipe systems are installed in older buildings with varying shaft dimensions and positions, then the system must be custom-made to fit specific dimensions, but this increases installation time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is divided into multiple pipe segments of predetermined lengths that can be connected in series. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to various shaft dimensions by simply adding or removing segments, eliminating the need for custom cutting and fitting work for each installation scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pieces incorporate movable connections that allow relative movement between pipe segments in the longitudinal direction. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate dimensional variations and thermal expansion/contraction without requiring precise pre-measurement and custom fabrication.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipe systems are made rigid to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pieces are designed with movable connections that permit relative movement between pipe segments along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic feature allows the pipe system to expand and contract freely in response to temperature changes, preventing stress accumulation while maintaining overall structural stability through the connected segments.
3Reliability
If traditional pipe replacement methods are used involving cutting and breaking work, then complete replacement is achieved, but this causes inconvenience and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system consists of discrete, pre-fabricated segments that can be installed sequentially without requiring cutting or breaking of existing structures. This modular approach allows for easier replacement and installation, reducing inconvenience to residents and lowering installation costs while achieving complete system replacement.
4Strength
If pipe segments are connected fixedly to prevent movement, then connection stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes stress and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pieces employ movable connections that maintain gas-tight sealing while allowing longitudinal movement between pipe segments. This dynamic connection preserves connection stability for maintaining seals while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, preventing stress-induced leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by incorporating movable connections in the coupling pieces. These connections allow the pipe segments to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining sealed connections, preventing stress concentration and potential leakage at joint locations.
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 allows for quick and cost-effective replacement or renovation of ventilation and flue gas discharge channels, preventing corrosion-related leaks and ensuring safe operation by allowing pipe segments to expand and contract freely while maintaining a stable coupling piece position, thus reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe segment can expand freely in longitudinal direction under the influence of the temperature of, for instance, flue gas flowing therethrough, and of course also contract again
Data Source
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AI summary
Pipe system for use as ventilation or flue gas discharge channel, comprising at least a first and second pipe segment (35, 36) and at least a first and second tubular coupling piece (39, 40) configured to couple the pipe segments (35, 36) to each other via a coupling piece (39). One of the coupling pieces (39, 40) or the pipe segments (35, 36) is provided with at least one external attaching element (50) configured for the purpose, when pipe segments (35, 36) and coupling pieces (38, 40) are coupled, of attaching at least one elongate connecting element (45, 46) adjustably in length direction thereto. Also provided is a method for installing the pipe system in a shaft, such as a ventilation or flue gas discharge shaft of a building, and a coupling piece (39), pipe segment and ring element provided with attaching means (50) for attaching the connecting element (45, 46).