Sweep Elbow Pipe Connector with Arcuate Flow Path for Lower Head Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 90-degree elbow connections in fire sprinkler piping systems cause significant head or energy loss due to their design, leading to increased pressure requirements and pipe sizes, which is economically disadvantageous.
Innovation Solution
An improved sweep elbow pipe connector is designed using the injection molding process, featuring a unique core geometry that increases the cross-sectional surface area and optimizes the flow path, replacing traditional sharp cornered elbows with a more efficient arcuate design that reduces flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional 90-degree elbow connections with sharp corners are used, then plumbing around corners and fitting within compact spaces is facilitated, but significant head loss or energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the sharp cornered 90-degree elbow with a sweep elbow featuring a curved arcuate flow path. The interior surface is formed with a continuous curved transition that eliminates abrupt directional changes, reducing flow separation and turbulence. This curved geometry maintains the ability to fit within compact spaces while significantly decreasing head loss compared to conventional sharp-cornered elbows.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional 90-degree elbow connections are used, then the piping system can be assembled, but large equivalent length is required increasing pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elbow connection by transitioning from a sharp-cornered design to a sweep elbow with optimized curved geometry. The arcuate flow path with controlled radius and smooth transitions alters the flow characteristics, reducing the equivalent length from conventional values (typically 30-50 pipe diameters) to significantly lower values. This parameter change maintains manufacturability through standard molding processes while reducing the effective length contribution to pressure drop calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 90-degree elbow connections are used, then standard pipe fittings can be employed, but increased pipe size or pump pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the flow path geometry specifically within the elbow region while maintaining standard pipe connection interfaces. The sweep elbow features a curved arcuate interior flow path with smooth transitions localized to the elbow section, while the inlet and outlet connections remain compatible with standard pipe fittings. This localized optimization reduces pressure requirements in the critical turning section without compromising system-wide adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An arcuate sweep elbow pipe connector section is disclosed as part of the piping system used to deliver water from a source to a fire sprinkler head. The arcuate sweep elbow pipe connector section is integrally formed at one end with a first connecting section and integrally formed at a section end with a second connection section. The connecting sections are positioned ninety degrees relative to each other and the arcuate sweep elbow pipe connector section optimizes water flow through both connecting sections.