Heating Filter Connector With Isolation Valves and Flow Gauge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for heating system filters lack efficiency and ease of maintenance, as they do not allow for seamless interchange with liquid delivery means during system operations and maintenance, leading to inefficiencies in filtering and flushing processes.
Innovation Solution
A unitary connector with an inlet, outlet, flow gauge, and isolation valves configured in multiple positions to direct liquid flow through or isolate the filter, enabling efficient connection and maintenance by allowing the interchange of the filter with liquid delivery means, while incorporating a pressure gauge for pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a filter is connected to a heating system with traditional connectors, then the filter can remove contaminants from the liquid, but the system requires shutdown and complex disassembly for filter maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a body portion with isolation valves and a filter holder portion that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the filter to be accessed and replaced without affecting the main heating system connection, enabling quick maintenance while the system remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
Isolation valves are introduced as intermediary components between the heating system and the filter. These valves allow the filter to be isolated from the system pressure and flow, enabling safe and quick filter removal and replacement without shutting down the entire heating system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a filter is connected to a heating system with traditional connectors, then the filter can filter the liquid, but the connector requires multiple separate components leading to complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation valves, body portion, and filter holder are combined into a single integrated connector assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled and installed, simplifying the overall connector structure while maintaining the functionality of filter isolation and replacement.
3Ease of repair
If the heating system is shut down for filter maintenance, then the filter can be replaced, but the heating system loses operational continuity
Solution Approach 1:
Isolation valves are positioned to allow the filter to be isolated from the heating system before maintenance is needed. This preliminary isolation capability enables the filter to be replaced without affecting the operational status of the main heating system, maintaining productivity during filter maintenance.
4Loss of information
If traditional connectors are used without flow monitoring, then the connector structure is simpler, but the system lacks visibility on liquid flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
A flow gauge is integrated into the connector body to provide self-monitoring of liquid flow rate. This allows the system to automatically track and display flow information without requiring external monitoring equipment, providing valuable flow data while maintaining relative simplicity in the connector design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector for a heating system filter, the connector comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a flow gauge; a plurality of connectors configured to be connected to a heating system filter or a liquid delivery means; and a plurality of isolation valves configured, in a first configuration, to direct liquid from the inlet through the heating system filter to the outlet and configured, in a second configuration, to direct liquid from the inlet to the outlet and to isolate liquid to the heating system filter, to permit interchange of the heating system filter for the liquid delivery means, wherein the inlet, the outlet, the plurality of connectors, the flow gauge and the plurality of isolation valves are comprised in a unitary body, and wherein the flow gauge is located between the inlet and a first isolation valve, between the first isolation valve and a second isolation valve, or between the second isolation valve and the outlet.