Gas Pipe with Straight Seating Section for Secure Switch Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas pipes in water heaters face challenges in securely fastening gas switches due to their curved shape, leading to potential gas leakage, and are prone to damage when rotated for connection.
Innovation Solution
A pipe design with a body portion featuring a straight profile on one side and a hollow structure for gas flow, which includes a seating section for stable gas switch coupling and a case fixing portion to prevent rotation when supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a curved hollow cylindrical pipe is used, then the pipe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the gas switch cannot be stably fastened due to the curved outer wall shape
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with a curved hollow cylindrical shape for ease of manufacture and installation, and a second section with a straight profile for stable gas switch fastening. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific functional requirement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the pipe are given different geometric properties: the first section has a curved profile suitable for routing, while the second section has a straight profile with sufficient wall thickness for secure fastening. This local differentiation of geometric quality resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and fastening stability.
2Ease of operation
If the gas pipe is rotated for connection, then the connection can be made, but the pipe and connected components may be damaged due to applied rotational force
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into a first section for connection operations and a second section for structural support. The second section's straight profile and sufficient wall thickness act as a reinforcement that prevents damage during rotation and connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The straight second section acts as an intermediary between the curved first section and the gas switch, providing a rigid support structure that withstands rotational forces during connection while protecting the more vulnerable curved section and connected components.
3Strength
If the pipe wall thickness is increased to prevent rotation, then rotational damage is reduced, but the pipe becomes heavier and more difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into sections with different wall thicknesses: the first section has standard wall thickness for ease of installation, while the second section has increased wall thickness for rotation resistance. This segmentation optimizes the weight-strength tradeoff by concentrating reinforcement only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe exhibits local variation in wall thickness, with the second section having greater thickness than the first section. This local quality enhancement provides rotational strength only in the region where it is most needed, minimizing overall weight increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe according to the present disclosure includes a body portion provided with a seating section having a straight profile extending in a first direction and extending in a second direction that is one direction perpendicular to the first direction when cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the body portion passes in the first direction to define a hollow.