Flow-Through Expansion Tank Connector With Multi-Orientation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow-through connector assemblies for expansion tanks are not retrofittable, limit fluid passage area, and restrict angular movement, making them unsuitable for standard expansion tanks and larger pipes.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable flow-through connector assembly featuring first and second engaging elements that releasably engage to prevent angular movement, allowing the flow-through member to be mounted in multiple orientations relative to the fluid flow direction, ensuring secure and leak-free connections without overtightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow-through member is installed inside the expansion tank before the membrane is installed, then the connection is secure, but the device is not retrofittable and cannot be used in standard expansion tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through connector assembly is divided into separate components: a flow-through member with engaging elements and a connector with corresponding engaging elements. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed on the expansion tank first, and then the flow-through member to be attached separately, enabling retrofittability while maintaining secure connection through the engaging elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-installed on the expansion tank before the flow-through member is attached. This preliminary action allows the system to be prepared in advance, enabling retrofittability while ensuring that when the flow-through member is subsequently attached, a secure and reliable connection is achieved through the engaging elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the inner sleeve, spacer and cylindrical sleeve extend into the nipple, then the connection is stable, but the available sectional area for water passage is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending components axially into the nipple (one-dimensional approach), the invention uses engaging elements that connect laterally or radially (adding another dimension). The flow-through member connects to the connector through engaging elements that engage from the side, allowing stable connection without reducing the axial water passage area in the nipple.
3Reliability
If the flow-through member is prevented from angular movement relative to the connector, then the connection is secure, but the flow-through member cannot be mounted in multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging elements are designed with asymmetric features that provide engagement in specific directions. The first and second engaging elements engage in a manner that prevents angular movement in critical directions for connection security, while still allowing rotation or adjustment in other directions, enabling mounting in multiple orientations relative to the fluid flow direction.
4Reliability
If the connector is designed for specific pipe diameter engagement, then the connection is secure, but the device is limited to certain pipe diameters and not usable for bigger pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal engaging elements that can accommodate different pipe diameters. The engaging elements are configured to engage with the pipe or connector in a manner that provides secure connection across a range of sizes, making the flow-through connector assembly adaptable to various pipe diameters without requiring different designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retrofittable flow-through connector device for an expansion tank is disclosed. The retrofittable flow-through connector device includes a connector and a flow-through member (1004). The flow-through member (1004) is formed with at least one first engaging element (1042), and a butt end segment (1313) of the connector is formed with at least one second engaging element (4131), the first and second engaging elements (1042, 4131) releasably engaging each other such that the flow-through member (1004) is prevented from angular movement relative to the connector and such that the flow-through member can be affixed to the connector in a plurality of orientations relative to a direction of fluid flow, such that fluid can enter the flow-through member in a plurality of said orientations, after the connector is connected to a pipe and/or connection.