In-line Water Hammer Arrester for Flexible Hose Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water hammer arresters are difficult to install in flexible hoses and tubing, requiring professional assistance and additional space, and are not effective in preventing pressure spikes in appliances like washing machines and refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
An in-line water hammer arrester apparatus with a piston and pressurized chamber is designed for easy installation in flexible hoses, allowing for compact integration and effective dampening of pressure spikes without the need for additional space or professional installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed perpendicular to the system pipe, then it can effectively dampen pressure spikes, but it requires extra room for installation and larger outlet boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the arrester from a perpendicular installation configuration to an in-line configuration, changing the spatial dimension of installation. This allows the device to be installed within the existing pipe run rather than requiring additional lateral space, effectively resolving the contradiction between pressure spike dampening effectiveness and installation space requirements
2Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed with soldering or compression joints, then it can be securely connected to the piping system, but it becomes more difficult to install and requires professional assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex connection requirements (soldering, compression joints) from the installation process by providing pre-assembled units with integrated connectors. This allows the arrester to be installed as a simple replaceable component, maintaining connection security while dramatically reducing installation difficulty to a basic connector replacement task
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled design with integrated connectors enables DIY installation without requiring professional plumber assistance. The unit is designed to be self-contained and easily replaceable by homeowners themselves, transforming a professional-only installation into a consumer-friendly do-it-yourself task
3Reliability
If a traditional water hammer arrester is installed in a valve outlet box, then it can prevent pressure spikes, but it requires larger and more expensive outlet boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the arrester installation from the lateral outlet box dimension to the in-line pipe run dimension. This allows the device to be installed within the existing pipe pathway without requiring enlargement of outlet boxes, maintaining pressure spike prevention while reducing outlet box size and cost requirements
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 in-line design enables homeowners to easily install the arrester, reducing pressure spikes and preventing damage to piping systems, while meeting ASSE 1010 testing standards for effective pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
the pressurized water pushes against the piston in the arrester, which moves against the compressed air pocket until the pressure is stabilized
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space.