Branch Pipe with Curved Outflow Alignment for Easier Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional branch pipes for multi-type air conditioners cause axis offset issues during installation, leading to uneven fluid flow and noise, making them difficult to use in multi-floor or side-by-side installations due to their geometry.
Innovation Solution
The branch pipe design features a first outflow portion with a curved middle portion aligning the outlet axis with the inflow axis, and includes linear connection pipes that can be aligned before installation, allowing for easier positioning and reducing pressure loss by continuous material connections, with optional 45-degree angled connection pipes for flexible branching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional branch pipe geometry is used, then the branch pipe can separate fluid streams, but the axis offset occurs making piping installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The branch pipe incorporates curved portions at the inlet and outlet sections instead of straight geometric connections. These curved portions allow the pipe to bend and align with the axial directions of connected pipes, eliminating axis offset issues and facilitating easier piping installation while maintaining the branching function.
2Ease of operation
If the branch pipe geometry causes axis offset, then installation is difficult, but changing the geometry may affect fluid flow uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The curved portions are designed with specific radii and angles that simultaneously achieve two goals: they allow the pipe to align axially with connected pipes for easy installation, and they guide fluid flow smoothly through the branch pipe to maintain flow uniformity and prevent turbulence or noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The branch pipe geometry parameters (curvature radius, bend angle, transition length) are optimized to balance installation convenience and fluid flow characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the pipe achieves proper axial alignment while maintaining smooth fluid transition and uniform flow distribution.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional branch pipe design is used, then basic branching function is achieved, but noise is caused by uneven fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The curved portions create smooth transitions for fluid flow, eliminating sharp corners and abrupt direction changes that cause turbulence and noise. The curved geometry naturally guides the fluid through the branch pipe in a controlled manner, reducing harmful flow patterns without requiring additional noise control devices.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A branch pipe branches fluid from an inflow portion (10) into a first outflow portion (1) and a second outflow portion (2). The middle portion (1B) of the first outflow portion (1) is curved so that the axis of the pipe at the outlet of the first outflow portion (1) is aligned with the axis of the pipe of the inflow portion (10).