Flip-able VAV piping package
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piping for Variable Air Volume (VAV) HVACR systems is typically not pre-assembled, leading to complex and error-prone installations, with misplaced or incorrectly installed piping being common, and orientation-dependent installation requirements complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled, flipable piping package with integrated support and enclosure, which includes supply and return pipes with blow-down valves and air vents, a heat exchanger, and a control valve actuator, allowing for simplified installation and adaptability to different orientations, and facilitating direct termination of the control valve actuator on the HVACR system controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If piping is installed field-by-field by installer, then installation flexibility is improved, but installation complexity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piping package is pre-assembled at the factory with all necessary components (piping, valves, actuators, support structures) configured before installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates complex field assembly operations, reduces installation errors, and ensures proper configuration while maintaining the ability to adapt to different installation locations through the flip-able design.
2Device complexity
If piping is pre-assembled in factory unit, then installation complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various installation conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piping package incorporates a flip-able design that allows the assembly to be installed in multiple orientations (e.g., left-side or right-side of the main unit). This dynamic configurability is achieved through symmetric or reversible mounting features, flexible piping sections, and adjustable support structures, enabling the pre-assembled unit to adapt to various installation conditions without requiring custom field assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If piping package is flip-able, then adaptability to various installation conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flip-able piping package utilizes asymmetric mounting features and orientation indicators that guide proper installation. By incorporating distinct left-side and right-side configurations with corresponding mounting brackets, connection points, and labeling, the design allows the pre-assembled unit to be accurately installed in different orientations while maintaining precise piping alignment through factory-preconfigured asymmetric features.
4Loss of time
If control valve actuator is terminated on unit controller at factory, then installation time is reduced, but reliability of electrical connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components with pre-terminated connectors on the actuator side and corresponding receptacles on the controller side. This segmentation allows for factory pre-wiring of the actuator connections while maintaining reliable electrical connections through robust connector designs that ensure proper mating and electrical contact during field installation, thus reducing installation time without compromising connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A piping package is provided for connecting a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system to a building variable air volume (VAV) system. The piping package includes an enclosure containing a supply pipe and a return pipe. Each of the supply pipe and the return pipe include an air vent and a blow-down valve. The piping package can be configured such that it is flip-able and can be positioned on either side of a main unit of the HVACR system. The piping package can further include a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the HVACR system and the process fluid distributed to the building VAV system.