Flow Sensor Pipe Assembly with Adjustable Mounting and Fewer Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe assembly methods with built-in flow sensors are inefficient due to the need for cumbersome sealing techniques, high equipment costs, and limited flexibility in pipe arrangement, requiring numerous parts and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe assembly unit with built-in flow sensors featuring a detachable pipe adapter and integrally fabricated stainless steel main and branch pipes, eliminating the need for conventional sealing methods and allowing for adjustable mounting postures and reduced part count, utilizing a vane wheel sensor for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing methods (seal tape or liquid gasket) are used to connect pipes, then sealing is achieved, but the number of parts increases and equipment expenses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function and sealing function are merged into a single integrated connection structure. The connection includes a connection body with an internal sealing surface and a connector with an external sealing surface, eliminating the need for separate seal tape or liquid gasket applications. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If nipples are screwed in with seal tape to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but the nipple becomes buried and height adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The connection body and connector can be assembled and disassembled without burying the connection elements. The external sealing surface on the connector allows for repeated assembly and adjustment while maintaining sealing integrity, enabling easy length adjustment.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are made for main pipe and branch pipes, then complete assembly is achieved, but piping work becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is pre-assembled with the branch pipe in a factory setting, creating a pre-assembled unit. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly of the flow sensor with the branch pipe, significantly reducing piping work time and improving productivity while ensuring complete and reliable assembly.
4Ease of operation
If flow valves are connected separately to the pipe assembly, then flow control is achieved, but the whole pipe assembly must be disconnected for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is integrated as a separate but connected component with its own flow passage that communicates with the branch pipe. This segmentation allows the flow sensor to be independently removed and maintained without disconnecting the entire pipe assembly, while still achieving effective flow control through the integrated design.
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
This solution enhances piping efficiency, reduces equipment expenses, and increases the degree of freedom in pipe arrangement, ensuring reliable and durable fluid flow control with simplified maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor which is built in each of the multiple branch pipes
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Cost is reduced by simplifying piping work and reducing the number of parts. At the same time, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of piping is raised by making the mounting posture of the piping variable. A pipe assembly unit (1) with built-in sensors (4) is fabricated by integrating a main pipe (2) and multiple branch pipes (3,3,...) which branch from the main pipe (2) and by building, in the multiple branch pipes (3,3,...), a flow sensor (4) which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit (31) of each of the branch pipes (3), and the use of a conventional seal construction using a nipple in connections between the main pipe (2) and the branch pipes (3) is abolished. Apipe adapter (73) having legs (734) is detachably attached to opening ends of the main pipe (2) and the legs (734) are fixed to an installation surface (A) by changing the orientation of the pipe adapter (73), whereby the mounting posture of the pipe assembly unit (1) is made variable.