Double-Pipe Wall Tap Structure for Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water tap systems that extend through building walls are prone to leaks, which can damage the wall and other constructions, and are vulnerable to freezing and thawing issues that exacerbate leakage.
Innovation Solution
A leak-safe water tap system design featuring a first pipe with a larger diameter second pipe circumferencing it within the wall to contain leaks, a connection box with sealing mechanisms, and a guide channel for the first tubing to prevent water from entering the wall, along with a removable hatch for access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pipe is used to convey water through the wall, then the system is simple and easy to install, but any leak will directly damage the wall and building constructions
Solution Approach 1:
The first pipe (water conveyance pipe) is nested within the second pipe (protection pipe), forming a concentric dual-pipe structure. The first pipe has outer diameter D1 and the second pipe has inner diameter D2 where D2 > D1, creating an annular space between them. This nesting arrangement allows the system to maintain simplicity while providing leak containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second pipe acts as an intermediary protective layer between the water supply system and the wall structure. It intercepts any leaks from the first pipe before they can reach the wall, serving as a barrier that protects the building construction while allowing the water conveyance function to continue.
2Ease of operation
If the water tap system is exposed outside the wall, then access and maintenance are easy, but the water pipes are vulnerable to freezing in cold climates which causes damage and subsequent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection box is extracted from the wall structure and positioned externally, providing easy access for maintenance while the critical water conveyance pipes remain protected within the wall. The connection box serves as an interface point where maintenance activities can be performed without exposing the entire pipe system to environmental extremes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe system is completely enclosed within the wall, then it is protected from environmental damage, but leaks cannot be easily detected and maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback for leak detection through the connection box interface. When a leak occurs in the first pipe, water accumulates in the annular space between the first and second pipes and can be observed at the connection box, allowing easy detection without requiring the pipes to be exposed along their entire length within the wall.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a leak-safe water tap system to be arranged through a wall of a building, comprising a connection box being configured to connect a water supply with a first pipe, the first pipe having a first end being configured to be fluidly connected with the water supply via the connection box and a second end being configured to be connected with a tap, the first pipe having an extension extending between the first end and the second end, a part of the extension of the first pipe is arranged within the wall, the first pipe having an outer diameter, wherein the leak-safe water tap system comprises a second pipe, the second pipe has an inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the first pipe, the second pipe has a first pipe end being in a leak-tight manner connected with the connection box, the second pipe having a pipe extension extending from the first pipe end towards a second pipe end, wherein the second pipe circumferences the first pipe at least along the part of the extension arranged within the wall for ensuring that any leak of water will not leak into the wall.