Diversion Fitting Ramp for Stagnant Water Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connector assemblies in expansion tanks struggle to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can lead to undesirable microorganism growth and reduced efficiency in fluid circulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a diversion fitting with a flow-through conduit and a diversion ramp, which diverts a portion of the fluid flow into a storage tank while allowing the remaining flow to continue through the conduit, thereby promoting continuous fluid exchange and circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluid connector assemblies are used in expansion tanks, then the structure is simple, but stagnant water accumulates in the tank leading to microorganism growth and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The diversion fitting segments the fluid flow into multiple paths: a primary flow path through the conduit and a secondary flow path through the leg inlet. The diversion ramp further segments the primary flow, directing portions of fluid into the tank while allowing other portions to continue through the conduit. This segmentation enables continuous circulation that prevents stagnant water accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion fitting introduces a perpendicular dimension by extending a leg at approximately 90 degrees to the main conduit axis. This perpendicular leg with its inlet channel creates a new flow dimension, allowing fluid to be diverted into the tank from a direction perpendicular to the main flow, thereby enhancing circulation patterns and preventing stagnation.
2Productivity
If fluid flow is completely diverted into the storage tank, then water exchange rate increases, but fluid flow through the conduit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The diversion ramp implements partial action by diverting only a portion of the fluid flow into the tank rather than all of it. The ramp is positioned and sized to direct a controlled amount of fluid into the tank for exchange, while allowing the remaining fluid to continue through the conduit. This partial diversion achieves sufficient water exchange rate improvement without completely blocking the main flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion ramp creates local quality variations within the flow path by providing a localized flow diversion mechanism. The ramp surface modifies the flow characteristics in a specific region, directing fluid into the tank at a controlled location while maintaining smooth flow through the rest of the conduit. This localized intervention achieves efficient water exchange without compromising overall fluid flow.
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
This solution enhances the water exchange rate in and out of the storage tank by at least 10% compared to traditional methods, effectively preventing stagnant water accumulation and reducing microorganism growth.
Implementation Method 1
The diversion ramp may be disposed within the flow-through channel between the first arm and the second arm such that the ramp surface may be facing substantially toward the first arm and the leg so as to divert a first portion of a fluid flow entering the first arm into the inlet flow channel and a second portion of the fluid flow continues to the second arm
Data Source
AI summary
A diversion fitting for a continuous flow liquid supply system. The diversion fitting includes a flow-through conduit including a first arm and a second arm. The flow-through conduit forms a flow-through channel between the first arm and the second arm along a centerline. The diversion fitting includes a leg extending perpendicular to the centerline and forms an inlet flow channel. The diversion fitting includes a diversion ramp disposed in the flow-through conduit aligned with the inlet flow channel. The diversion ramp is disposed at an angle with respect to the centerline such that the ramp faces toward the first arm and the leg. The diversion ramp is disposed within the flow-through channel between such that a first portion of a fluid flow entering the first arm is diverted into the inlet flow channel and a second portion of the fluid flow continues to the second arm.