In-line fitment for connecting a filter to a pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter connection systems for heating systems face challenges such as reduced magnetic field strength due to sleeve usage, installation constraints in tight spaces, and orientation errors leading to reduced effectiveness, along with complex pipe manipulation requirements.
Innovation Solution
An in-line fitment with a removable spacer allows for easy installation of filters with vertically-oriented ports on non-vertical pipes, using John Guest Speedfit connectors and a fitting jig for correct alignment, and includes valves for isolating the filter from the heating circuit for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a sleeve is provided around the magnet to prevent particle adhesion, then particles can be easily removed during cleaning, but the magnetic field strength is substantially attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is extracted from the housing entirely and replaced with a magnetic element embedded in the collection surface. This eliminates the need for a protective sleeve around the magnet, as the magnetic function is integrated directly into the collection mechanism where particles are already trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic element is introduced as an intermediary between the housing wall and the collection surface. This magnetic element provides the necessary magnetic field strength while being positioned exactly where needed to attract particles, eliminating the field attenuation problem caused by sleeves.
2Reliability
If tangential inlet and outlet connections are used to create water swirl, then particle separation effectiveness is improved, but installation becomes constrained in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the inlet and outlet to be tangential to create swirl, the invention inverts the approach by providing inlet and outlet connections that are substantially at right angles to the housing wall, allowing the housing itself to generate the necessary swirl through its internal geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection orientation is changed from tangential (parallel to housing circumference) to perpendicular (at right angles to housing wall), utilizing a different spatial dimension to achieve the same functional result of water swirl while improving installation flexibility.
3Reliability
If the separator housing extends vertically for correct operation, then non-magnetic debris can drop to collection area, but installation orientation becomes restricted and errors are hard to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is given an asymmetric configuration with a collection surface at one end and a magnetically-active surface at the other end. This asymmetric design allows the housing to be installed in any orientation while maintaining effectiveness, as the functional surfaces are distinguished by their geometry rather than their vertical position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static vertical orientation requirement to a dynamic multi-orientation capability. The housing can now adapt to different installation orientations (vertical, horizontal, or angled) while maintaining its separation function through the asymmetric positioning of functional surfaces.
4Reliability
If two separate right angle connectors are used to fit the separator to pipe, then the separator can be installed, but the fitting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate right angle connectors are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The housing itself incorporates the connection functionality, eliminating the need for separate connectors and simplifying the fitting process to a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the separation chamber and the connection interface to the pipe. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connector components and reduces installation complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient filtration with minimal flow rate reduction, allows flexible orientation and installation on non-vertical pipes, and simplifies the fitting process by maintaining correct socket spacing and alignment, ensuring effective particle separation without compromising the heating system's flow.
Implementation Method 1
typically these devices include a magnet for attracting ferrous particles
Implementation Method 2
A magnet is provided inside the hollow cylindrical central section
Implementation Method 3
Particles will then fall out of suspension and become trapped in cavities
Implementation Method 4
The inlet and outlet are configured to set up a swirl of water within the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
In-line fitment (130) for connection of a filter to a pipe, comprising first and second fluid-carrying portions (132) and a non-fluid-carrying spacer (144) for linking the first and second fluid-carrying portions, each fluid-carrying portion including a socket for receiving an open end of a pipe (134) and a connector for connection of the filter (136), the socket of the first fluid-carrying portion (132) having a pipe receiving depth greater than that of the socket of the second fluid-carrying portion (132), and the sockets of the first and second fluid-carrying portions (134) being positioned on a common axis and facing away from each other when the fluid-carrying portions are linked by the spacer (144). The in-line fitment (130) is advantageous because it can be easily fitted to a pipe. First a section of a certain length is cut from the pipe, leaving two open ends of the pipe. The first socket is then fitted to a first open end of the pipe. Due to the greater pipe receiving depth of the first socket, the fitment can move parallel to the pipe whilst engaged with the first open end of the pipe. The second socket can afterwards be engaged with a second open end of the pipe by sliding the fitment towards the first open end, and then back down over the second open end. Because the sockets are joined together by a spacer (144), the correct distance between the sockets is always maintained, whilst allowing fitting to a pipe which is already anchored to a wall. The spacer (144) may be removable, so that the fitment may be used either as one connected piece or as two separate fluid-carrying pieces.