Integral Meter Bar Eliminates Leakage Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional meter bars in fluid distribution systems, such as gas distribution systems, suffer from potential leakage points at elbows, nipples, and threaded connections, posing hazards and installation challenges, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A meter bar assembly with integral tailpieces and a design that eliminates the need for separate elbows and nipples, featuring a central section with integral inlet and outlet conduits and a retaining ring system for secure connections, reducing leakage points and requiring fewer loose parts, facilitating easier installation in constrained areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional meter bars use separate elbows, nipples, and threaded connections, then the system can be assembled from standard components, but the number of leakage points increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separate components (elbows, nipples, threaded connections) into a single monoblock meter bar structure. This merging eliminates the interfaces between components, thereby eliminating leakage points while maintaining the same functional capabilities of connecting fluid supply and distribution systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional meter bars use multiple loose parts for assembly, then the system can be flexibly assembled, but the risk of losing parts and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all necessary connection features into a single integrated meter bar unit, eliminating loose parts that could be lost during assembly. The monoblock design with pre-formed ports and connection features allows direct installation without handling multiple separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional meter bars require multiple connection components, then the system can accommodate various connection configurations, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connection configurations into a single compact monoblock structure. The meter bar includes pre-formed ports and connection features that accommodate various piping arrangements (vertical, horizontal, angled) without requiring additional external components, thereby reducing the space needed for installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Potential leakage points are avoided, mishandling or loss of loose, unattached parts minimized and installation in tight places facilitated by a meter bar of elongated cast metal structure having a central bar, an outlet conduit section and an inlet conduit section, both integral with the meter bar. The inlet and outlet sections may include integral tail pieces and an upstream end of the inlet section includes an elongated, downwardly curved conduit to eliminate the need for the use of elbows, pipes or nipples, etc.