Concrete Fitting Piston Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for controlling fluid flow, particularly with liquid concrete, face issues such as hardening of concrete within the fittings, leading to inoperability and a large installation space that hinders movement during tunnel construction.
Innovation Solution
A compact fitting with a movable piston that can switch between two working positions, allowing complete deflection of fluid flow from the inlet to the passage or outlet connection, featuring a planar boundary surface for easy handling and prevention of concrete contamination, and a hydraulic drive for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a piston is used to control fluid flow in a fitting, then flow control functionality is improved, but the risk of concrete hardening within the fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is designed to be movable between different positions (first and second working positions) to dynamically switch flow paths. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different flow control modes while preventing concrete stagnation by continuously moving the piston to change flow direction, thereby eliminating the hardening problem.
2Volume of moving object
If the fitting is designed to be compact, then installation space is reduced, but the complexity of the piston mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow control element, a position indicator, and a mechanism for switching between different flow paths. By merging these functions into a single component, the design achieves compact dimensions without proportionally increasing complexity, as the piston's movement inherently provides both flow control and system state indication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piston moves to close the outlet nozzle, then flow direction is controlled, but the cavity may become contaminated with hardening concrete
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by moving the piston to the first working position before concrete reaches the outlet nozzle, preemptively closing the flow path to prevent concrete from hardening within the fitting. This preventive measure ensures that the cavity remains clear and the piston can be moved to the second working position without contamination, maintaining flow control capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the fitting extends far into the tunnel profile, then flow control is achieved, but movement in the tunnel during concreting is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is nested within the compact fitting structure, allowing the flow control functionality to be achieved within a small space. The piston's movement within the confined cavity provides complete flow direction control without requiring the fitting to extend far into the tunnel profile, thus maintaining tunnel movement freedom during concreting 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
The fitting enables easy and robust operation, prevents concrete hardening within the cavity, and reduces the overall size, allowing for efficient and targeted flow control without obstructing tunnel movements.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic drive for actuation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting (1) for controlling a fluid flow, in particular for controlling a fluid flow which contains liquid concrete or consists of liquid concrete, wherein the fitting (1) has an inlet nozzle (2), an outlet nozzle (3) and a through nozzle (4) which are connected by a cavity (5) in the fitting (1).According to the invention, a piston (6) is provided which can be moved by means of a drive in the cavity (5) between a first working position and a second working position, which piston (6) has an end-end limiting surface (7), which is preferably essentially planar, and a through-opening (8), wherein in the first working position the limiting surface (7) closes the outlet nozzle (3) and the through-opening (8) connects the inlet nozzle (2) with the through-nozzle (4) and the piston (6) in the second working position blocks a connection between inlet nozzle (2) and through-nozzle (4) and simultaneously releases a flow path between inlet nozzle (2) and outlet nozzle (3), which flow path is at least partially defined by the limiting surface (7).The invention further relates to a method for controlling a fluid flow, which in particular contains liquid concrete or is formed by liquid concrete, wherein the fluid flow is guided by means of a fitting (1) from an inlet nozzle (2) either to an outlet nozzle (3) or to a through nozzle (4).