Buried Water Pipe Tap Assembly for Hygienic Sensor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting leaks in buried water distribution networks are hindered by the fragility of hydrophones and other sensors, which can break when removed for replacement, leading to contamination and difficulties in accessing buried equipment, especially in confined spaces with stagnant liquids.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly for a branch pipe to a main pipeline featuring a tap with a sensor that allows for easy access and replacement without exposing the sensor to external contaminants, where the sensor is fixed in a leaktight manner with a parallel axis of insertion and withdrawal to the rotational control of the valve, enabling safe and hygienic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If hydrophones are removed for replacement, then sensor maintenance can be performed, but the sensor may break and water can be contaminated by external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a sealed internal chamber containing the hydrophone and a separate access mechanism. The hydrophone remains protected within the pressurized chamber while maintenance is performed through external actuation, separating the sensor from direct exposure to external contaminants during replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible diaphragm acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the hydrophone. The diaphragm transmits acoustic vibrations from the water to the hydrophone while maintaining a hermetic seal, allowing the sensor to detect leaks without being directly exposed to external contaminants during maintenance
2Reliability
If hydrophones are installed in buried networks, then leak detection can be performed, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophone is nested within a sealed chamber that is integrated into the valve body. This nested structure allows the sensor to be positioned within the buried network for effective leak detection while the entire assembly remains accessible through standard valve access points, eliminating the need for separate maintenance excavations
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it controls water flow, houses the hydrophone for leak detection, and provides access points for both operational control and sensor maintenance. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and access points into a single integrated unit
3Measurement precision
If sensors are brought into contact with water in the pipe, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but hygiene requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible diaphragm creates a hermetic barrier between the sensor and external environment. This thin film allows acoustic vibrations to pass through while maintaining a waterproof seal, enabling the hydrophone to remain in contact with water for accurate leak detection without exposing internal components to contamination during maintenance operations
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
Facilitates the adaptation and maintenance of sensors in buried water networks without digging, ensuring the sensor remains in contact with water while maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination, allowing for efficient leak detection and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor being arranged in a sensor nipple of the faucet, the sensor being fixed to the faucet by crossing the wall of the said faucet in a leaktight and removable manner, the sensor comprising a collection end arranged in the faucet in contact with the water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection assembly (1) of a branch pipe on a main water pipe (6) buried under the surface of a ground, said assembly (1) comprising a tap (3) (3') and a casing (4, 5, 9, 10), said tap (3) (3') comprising a tap body with upstream (31) (31'), downstream (32) (32') nipples, sensor (33) (33') operating (36) (36'), and operating means (30, 37) (30', 37', 30", 37") comprising at least one operable valve (30) (30', 30") rotatable by means of an operating shaft, the tap (3) (3') comprising a sensor (7), the sensor (7) being disposed in a sensor nipple (33) (33') of the tap (3) (3') in a watertight and removable manner.According to the invention, the sensor nipple (33) (33') has a sensor (7) mounting hole (34) (34'), said mounting hole (34) (34') being oriented on the sensor nipple (33) (33') so that the insertion and removal axis of the sensor (7) in said mounting hole (34) (34') is parallel to the axis of rotational control of the operating means (30, 37) (30", 37") of the tap.