Flow Regulator Assembly for Controlled Pipe Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for draining fluids from pipes during construction or demolition operations lack effective control over fluid flow, leading to safety risks and damage, as the fluid often flows uncontrolled and is difficult to collect efficiently due to varying flow speeds, directions, and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulator assembly that includes a body with a main passage for receiving a tool to form an opening in a pipe, a connector assembly for secure attachment to the pipe, and a flow control device that can be positioned in open, closed, or partially open states to manage fluid flow, allowing for controlled drainage and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a container is placed below or adjacent the drilled opening to collect draining fluid, then fluid collection is attempted, but the flow varies in speed, direction, and force making collection challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow regulator assembly as an intermediary device installed at the drilled opening in the pipe. This assembly includes a body with a passage, a flow control device (such as a valve or plug), and a connector assembly that interfaces with the pipe. The flow regulator mediates between the pipe and collection container, allowing control over fluid flow speed, direction, and rate, thereby making collection reliable and operationally easy.
2Reliability
If the pipe is positioned at an elevated location or obscured behind walls, then the drilling operation and container positioning become difficult, but fluid must still be collected
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulator assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a body with passage, a flow control device, and a connector assembly. This segmentation allows the device to be installed directly at the pipe opening regardless of location, eliminating the need to position a large container at difficult-to-reach elevated or obscured locations. The control mechanism can be operated from accessible positions.
3Reliability
If the container is positioned to collect all fluid from a punctured or elevated pipe, then complete collection is achieved, but the container may fill up before the pipe is fully drained or positioning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device in the flow regulator assembly is designed to be dynamic and adjustable. It can be moved between closed, partially open, and fully open positions to control the flow rate. This allows the operator to start with a restricted flow to prevent container overflow, then gradually increase flow as the pipe drains, ensuring complete collection without premature container filling and reducing total drainage time.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulator assembly for regulating a fluid contained within a shell. The shell having an exterior surface and a cavity storing a fluid. The flow regulator assembly includes a body and an inner surface defining a main passage, the main passage is sized to receive a tool configured to form an opening, a connector assembly for connecting the body to the shell, and a flow control device that is selectively positionable, relative to the body, in at least one of an open position, a closed position, and a partially open position. When in the open position the fluid may move through the main passage, in the closed position the fluid is blocked from moving through the main passage, and in the partially open position at least a portion of the main passage is blocked while the tool is disposed within the main passage.