Expansion tank with improved pipe fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion tanks face issues with corrosion resistance, complex assembly procedures, and potential leaks due to the use of separate pipe fittings and thermoplastic components, which can be compromised by corrosive agents and may not maintain tightness over time.
Innovation Solution
The new expansion tank features a pipe fitting integrated as a single body with the thermoplastic counter cap, including a tubular portion and a flat ring, which is either made in a single piece or joined mechanically/chemically, along with a bushing element for external connection, ensuring tightness and resistance to corrosive fluids through gaskets or interference fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate pipe fittings and thermoplastic components are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but assembly complexity increases and tightness reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pipe fitting and thermoplastic counter cap into a single integrated component. The pipe fitting is substantially welded or forms a single body with the counter cap, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing the number of parts while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pipe fitting and counter cap assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides corrosion resistance through the thermoplastic material, ensures tightness through the welded/single-body construction, and enables external pipe connections through the threaded bushing element.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate pipe fittings and thermoplastic components are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but tightness reliability worsens due to potential leaks over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pipe fitting and thermoplastic counter cap into a single integrated component. The pipe fitting is substantially welded or forms a single body with the counter cap, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing the number of parts while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated single-body construction acts as an intermediary that eliminates potential leak paths between separate components. The welded or monolithic structure provides a continuous barrier that prevents fluid leakage while the thermoplastic material provides corrosion resistance.
3Reliability
If complex assembly operations are required, then tightness can be achieved, but manufacturing time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pipe fitting and thermoplastic counter cap into a single integrated component. The pipe fitting is substantially welded or forms a single body with the counter cap, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing the number of parts while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe fitting and counter cap are manufactured as a single integrated component, with the tightness and structural integrity built into the design from the outset. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex assembly operations and multiple tightening steps during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion tank includes two half-shells coupled to each other, an inner flexible membrane suited to divide the inside of the casing in two compartments, a counter cap made of a thermoplastic material, a pipe fitting suited to provide a connection and having a first tubular portion and a second portion in the shape of a flat ring that are made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the second ring-shaped portion is joined to the counter cap at the level of an opening in the tank.