Device for connecting pipe circuits to a manifold

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for connecting pipe circuits to a distributor in in-situ or prefabricated concrete ceilings require formwork protectors, connecting couplings, and intermediate pipe pieces, leading to increased component needs and production costs, as well as the necessity for a suspended ceiling for aesthetic adaptation, making the process uneconomical.

Innovation Solution

A device with an installation body that forms a detachable pipe connection space with a height-adjustable and tilt-adjustable inspection cover, allowing for pipe insertion openings and magnetic connecting means, enabling a direct connection to the distributor without additional components and allowing for post-installation adjustments to fit seamlessly into the concrete ceiling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If formwork protectors, connecting couplings, and intermediate pipe sections are used to connect pipe circuits to a distributor, then the connection can be made during concrete pouring, but the component requirements and manufacturing effort increase, leading to uneconomical costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidcomponent requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the installation body, distributor, and pipe connection space into a single integrated unit that is embedded directly in the concrete ceiling. This merging eliminates the need for separate formwork protectors, connecting couplings, and intermediate pipe sections, thereby reducing component requirements while maintaining the ability to connect pipe circuits during concrete pouring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation body with the distributor and pipe connection space is prepared in advance and embedded in the concrete ceiling before the pipe circuits are connected. The pipe entry openings are pre-formed in the installation body, allowing pipes to be directly inserted and connected without requiring additional connecting components during the pouring process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If formwork protectors and connecting couplings are used for connection, then pipe circuits can be connected to the distributor, but suspended ceilings must be installed subsequently for aesthetic reasons, increasing manufacturing effort and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic adaptationVSAvoidsuspended ceiling requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation body is designed to be embedded directly in the concrete ceiling structure, merging the distributor housing with the ceiling itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate suspended ceilings for aesthetic adaptation, as the installation body becomes part of the ceiling's structural and visual design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the inspection cover is made height-adjustable and inclination-adjustable, then flexible positioning and alignment can be achieved to fit existing building structures, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and angle adjustmentVSAvoidinspection cover mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection cover is designed with height-adjustable and inclination-adjustable capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different positions and angles. This enables the cover to fit various existing building structures and alignment requirements while maintaining a simple overall design through the use of adjustable mechanisms rather than multiple fixed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for a cost-effective and problem-free connection of pipe circuits to a distributor integrated into the concrete ceiling, eliminating the need for suspended ceilings and enabling flexible positioning and alignment, thus reducing production costs and enhancing aesthetic integration.

Implementation Method 1

the inspection cover (7) can, for example, also be magnetic or magnetizable itself if it is made from a ferromagnetic sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4339389A1Device for connecting pipe circuits to a manifold
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 KE KELIT GMBH
  • EP4339389A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4339389A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4339389A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for connecting pipe circuits to a distributor (1) in a cast-in-place or precast concrete ceiling (2) is described.In order to design such a device in such a way as to enable a trouble-free and comparatively cost-efficient connection of pipe circuits laid in concrete ceilings to a distributor, it is proposed that an installation body (3) accommodating the distributor (1) is provided for the cast-in-place or precast concrete ceiling (2), which forms a pipe connection space (6) bounded by body walls (4) and a body bottom (5), open on one side for inspection purposes, wherein the pipe connection space (6) can be closed by an inspection cover (7) detachably attached to the installation body (3), which is adjustable in height relative to the installation body (3) with respect to a depth direction (T) parallel to the body depth and is also adjustable in inclination with respect to a normal plane (N) to the depth direction (T), and that pipe insertion openings (10) are provided on at least one body wall (4).