Flow Sensor Pipe Manifold With Rotatable Adapter and Sealed Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piping systems with built-in flow sensors require cumbersome and costly connections, limited flexibility in arrangement, and high equipment expenses due to the use of multiple parts like nipples and seal tape, which complicates the assembly and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pipe assembly unit with a manifold construction integrating a main pipe and branch pipes, featuring a square flange with bolt-joint holes, a detachable pipe adapter with a 90-degree rotational capability, and vane wheel flow sensors for efficient sealing and adjustable mounting, reducing the need for conventional sealing methods and increasing the degree of freedom in piping arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection methods using nipples and seal tape are used, then sealing properties are improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate due to the need for multiple parts and troublesome assembly work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the pipe body by forming a sealing rib on the inner circumference of the pipe opening. This eliminates the need for separate nipples and seal tape, reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable sealing through the integrated structural feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing rib structure enables self-sealing upon connection without requiring external sealing materials. The complementary sealing ribs on mating pipes automatically engage to create a seal, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional sealing components.
2Reliability
If nipples are screwed in for connection, then sealing properties are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the nipple becomes buried and length adjustment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection and sealing functions are merged into a single flange interface with bolt holes. The pipes connect through flange mating with multiple bolt holes positioned at different orientations, allowing both secure connection and sealing in one operation without buried components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange connection system allows for dynamic positioning during assembly. Multiple bolt holes at different orientations enable workers to select appropriate hole pairs based on the required pipe orientation and length, providing flexibility and ease of operation during installation.
3Reliability
If multiple nipples and seal tape are used for connections, then sealing properties are improved, but equipment expenses increase due to higher number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the pipe body structure through the sealing rib feature. This eliminates the need to purchase and inventory separate sealing materials like tape or gaskets, reducing equipment expenses while maintaining reliable sealing through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure provides its own sealing capability through the sealing rib, making the system self-sufficient. This eliminates the need for additional sealing components, reducing part count and associated costs while ensuring reliable sealing performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If manifold blocks with predetermined mounting posture are used, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates because pipe orientation cannot be made variable
Solution Approach 1:
The flange design incorporates asymmetry through the strategic placement of bolt holes at different orientations. This asymmetric pattern allows the same flange component to be connected in multiple orientations by selecting different pairs of bolt holes, providing adaptability while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is made dynamic by allowing the selection of different bolt hole pairs based on required pipe orientation. This enables the same manifold block to adapt to various installation configurations without requiring multiple specialized components, combining assembly simplicity with orientational flexibility.
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
The solution simplifies piping work by eliminating the need for conventional sealing parts, enhances sealing properties, reduces equipment costs, and increases the flexibility and durability of piping systems, allowing for variable mounting postures and efficient flow rate monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
each of the multiple branch pipes being provided with a flow sensor which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing therethrough
Data Source
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 with built-in sensors is fabricated by integrating a main pipe and multiple branch pipes, which branch from the main pipe and by building, in the multiple branch pipes a flow sensor which detects the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit of each of the branch pipes, and the use of a conventional seal construction using a nipple in connections between the main pipe and the branch pipes is abolished. A pipe adapter having legs is detachably attached to opening ends of the main pipe and the legs are fixed to an installation surface A by changing the orientation of the pipe adapter, whereby the mounting posture of the pipe assembly unit is made variable.