Flameproofing Device for Pipe Coupling Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings require significant effort to retrofit with flame retardant devices, especially in areas newly classified as fire-hazardous, involving complex assembly processes and potential corrosion issues in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A flameproofing device with a housing and insert that can be easily attached to existing pipe couplings, featuring a metallic protective jacket with ceramic mesh, where the insert is secured to the housing with rivets and can be bent into place without welding, allowing for a form-fitting connection that maintains flame retardancy without complex assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flame retardant device is retrofitted to an existing pipe coupling, then flame protection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flame retardant insert with the housing into a single integrated unit. The insert is permanently attached to the housing using rivets, creating a pre-assembled flame protection device that simplifies installation while maintaining effective flame retardancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame retardant insert is pre-positioned and secured to the housing before the entire assembly is installed on the pipe coupling. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and reduces on-site installation complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional flame retardant devices are used, then flame protection is provided, but corrosion issues arise in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rivets instead of welds to attach the insert to the housing. This localized connection method avoids creating weld seams that are susceptible to corrosion in marine environments, while still providing secure attachment of the flame retardant components.
3Reliability
If pipe couplings are replaced with flame-retardant versions in newly classified fire-hazardous areas, then flame safety requirements are met, but installation effort and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flame protection function is segmented as a separate, attachable unit (the housing with insert) that can be added to existing pipe couplings. This allows retrofiting flame protection without replacing the entire pipe coupling assembly, thereby maintaining installation efficiency while meeting safety requirements.
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
Enables easy retrofitting of flame protection to existing pipe couplings, reducing installation effort and avoiding corrosion issues, while ensuring effective flame retardancy and maintaining the association between the flame retardant insert and housing during transport and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The fire arresting element comprises an elastic C-shaped metal element. A thermal expansile material is positioned within the metal element.
Implementation Method 2
The fire arresting element comprises an elastic C-shaped metal element. Tongues are arranged at the axial end of the metal element pointing radially inwards.
Implementation Method 3
Several layers of ceramic mesh are wound over the housing, which provide the actual flame protection.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The flame protection device (1) has a housing (2), which surrounds a pipe coupling and a flame protection insertion (10) provided inside the housing. The flame protection insertion is fastened to two positions at the housing.