Inner Circulation Pipe Connector for Compact Hot Water Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs for hot water systems in buildings are complex and require extensive assembly, leading to increased installation time and potential for dead spaces, especially when accommodating different pipeline alignments.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a housing with an insert that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the connection of riser and circulation lines with press connections, and allowing for flexible alignment configurations, including right-angled arrangements, to minimize dead spaces and simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional T-piece connectors are used with multiple separate components, then the connection of supply line, riser, and circulation line is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connecting pieces (first connecting piece for supply line, second for riser, third for circulation line) into a single integrated connector housing. This merging of components simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of parts that need to be handled and connected separately, directly addressing the contradiction between assembly simplicity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides connection points for the supply line, riser, and circulation line, and incorporates an insert with a passage for deflecting circulation water. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, resolving the contradiction by making the device more versatile rather than more complex.
2Reliability
If the circulation line is connected with multiple separate fittings and elbows, then the pipeline alignment is achieved, but dead spaces are created in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The insert with the deflection passage is integrated directly into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate elbows and additional fittings to change the direction of the circulation line. This direct integration creates a continuous flow path without dead spaces while maintaining the necessary connection configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert deflects the circulation water by 90 degrees within the housing structure itself, changing the flow direction in a different spatial arrangement than traditional external elbows. This internal deflection mechanism eliminates dead spaces that would otherwise be created by separate fittings while achieving the same alignment function.
3Ease of repair
If the riser pipe inner line is installed from above only, then the connection is made, but revision and replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into removable components: the insert can be detached from the housing, and the riser pipe connection can be separated independently. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the riser pipe inner line from below by removing the insert, without needing to disconnect the entire connector assembly or work from above, thus improving repair accessibility.
4Area of stationary object
If traditional connector designs are used, then the basic connection function is achieved, but installation space is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the deflection passage and multiple connection points into a single compact housing structure, the overall installation space is reduced compared to traditional designs that would require separate fittings spaced out along the pipeline. The merged structure consolidates all necessary functions into one location, minimizing the space occupied by the connector assembly.
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 connector design facilitates faster and simpler assembly, reduces installation space, and allows for compact design by enabling easy revision or replacement of inner line pipes, while accommodating various pipeline alignments with a minimal number of parts.
Implementation Method 1
the insert (14) has a passage (16) in which the water of the internal circulation is deflected by 90°
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the connecting pieces is designed for a press connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
AI summary
The piece (20) has a connector (9) for connecting an inlet pipe (2) and another connector (10) for connecting an upstream pipe (3). A third connector (11) is arranged in the latter connector for connecting a conduit pipe (4a) of an inner circulation pipe (4) that proceeds in the upstream pipe. A fourth connector (12) connects a radiating conduit pipe (4b) of the inner circulation pipe. A passage (16) is provided for the inner circulation, where the inner circulation water is diverted at 90 degrees in the passage. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a pipe assembly.