Frustoconical Standpipe Freeze Protection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standpipe designs are prone to freezing damage and require backfilling with rocks or stones for protection, which complicates installation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A standpipe freeze-protection device featuring a frustoconical shell with a chamber that allows the standpipe to pass through, includes drain apertures to prevent water accumulation and expansion, and is designed for faster installation without the need for backfilling, using separable pieces and a fastener for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backfilling with rocks or stones is used to protect standpipe from freezing, then freezing protection is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separated for assembly. The standpipe passes through the shell, creating functional segments. This segmentation allows easier installation without requiring complex backfilling operations while maintaining freezing protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the protective function from the traditional backfilling method and encapsulates it within a self-contained shell structure. The shell provides the freezing protection that previously required external rock or stone backfill, eliminating the need for those materials and simplifying installation.
2Reliability
If backfilling with rocks or stones is used to protect standpipe from freezing, then freezing protection is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is pre-formed with the protective chamber and drainage structure before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site backfilling operations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the freezing protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is extracted from the time-consuming backfilling process and integrated into a pre-manufactured shell that can be quickly installed around the standpipe, improving installation productivity.
3Reliability
If water accumulates in the chamber around the standpipe, then drainage function is worsened, but freezing protection is improved by providing expansion space
Solution Approach 1:
The shell chamber provides expansion space that accommodates the phase transition of water to ice during freezing conditions. This prevents pressure buildup that would occur if water were completely confined, while the drainage structure removes excess liquid water to minimize accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage structure converts the harmful effect of water accumulation into a beneficial drainage function. Excess water is actively removed through the drainage structure, preventing harmful accumulation while allowing sufficient water to remain for expansion during freezing.
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 device effectively prevents freezing damage by allowing water to drain and providing expansion space, reducing pressure on the standpipe and eliminating the need for backfilling, thus simplifying and speeding up the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
drain apertures to the surrounding ground in which the standpipe is mounted
Implementation Method 2
The chamber also provides expansion space for water or other liquid that does not drain but instead accumulates within the chamber and freezes, thus reducing or eliminating pressure on the standpipe from the expanding liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A standpipe freeze-protection device having a frustum shell. The shell has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and a plurality of drain apertures. The first end has a first surface that substantially closes the first end except for an opening within the first surface. The opening is configured to allow a standpipe to pass through the opening. The second end is opposite the first end and is substantially open. The outer surface extends between the first end and the second end. The plurality of drain apertures are through the outer surface of the shell.