Liquid Flow Apparatus with Reversible Gauge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for managing liquid flow in domestic water distribution networks are complex, costly to produce, and lack flexibility in assembly and gauge installation, particularly in controlling pump start-up and shut-down processes.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple apparatus with an outer casing and inner chamber, featuring a system for fitting a pressure gauge with a channel for fluid communication and reversible fixing means, allowing for easy assembly and operation with or without a gauge, and including mechanisms for detecting flow and pressure to control pump operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gauge is permanently installed in the apparatus, then pressure monitoring is ensured, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge installation system is segmented into separate components: a gauge holder body that can be independently installed or removed, a closing element that seals the channel when the gauge is not present, and a channel for fluid communication. This segmentation allows the apparatus to maintain simplicity while providing the option for gauge installation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge installation configuration is made dynamic and reversible. The gauge holder body can be installed or removed from the outer casing, and the closing element can be replaced with the gauge holder body. This dynamic configuration allows the apparatus to adapt between different operational states (with or without gauge) without permanent modifications.
2Reliability
If the apparatus is designed with fixed gauge installation, then pressure detection is guaranteed, but assembly time and production flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer casing is pre-equipped with the channel and the closing element during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that pressure detection capability is built into the design, but the actual gauge installation can be deferred until needed, avoiding unnecessary assembly steps during initial production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the gauge holder body can be installed or removed based on operational requirements. This reversibility enables rapid assembly and disassembly without permanent modifications, reducing assembly time while maintaining pressure detection capability when needed.
3Reliability
If the apparatus includes all components permanently assembled, then operational integrity is ensured, but production costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into modular components: outer casing, channel, closing element, and gauge holder body. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled only when needed, reducing production costs by avoiding unnecessary components while maintaining operational integrity when the gauge is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing with the channel and closing element serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity, provides pressure containment, and offers the option for gauge installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, lowering production costs while ensuring operational integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a closing element is used to seal the channel, then the apparatus can operate without a gauge, but the pressure monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two states: with the closing element installed (no pressure monitoring) or with the gauge holder body installed (pressure monitoring enabled). This reversible configuration allows the apparatus to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining both options available.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge holder body acts as an intermediary component that replaces the closing element. When installed, it provides the interface for gauge attachment while maintaining the seal and fluid communication channel. This intermediary allows seamless transition between monitored and non-monitored operational states.
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 apparatus enables easy and rapid assembly, reduces production costs, and provides flexibility in gauge installation, ensuring efficient control of pump start-up and shut-down in water distribution networks while maintaining operational integrity without a gauge.
Implementation Method 1
a channel for fluid communication between said chamber and the outside of said casing
Implementation Method 2
a gauge for detecting and/or measuring from the outside the pressure in said inner chamber
Implementation Method 3
means adapted to control start-up and shut-down of a pump of a water distribution network, wherein said inlet of said chamber is operatively associable with the discharge of a pump and said outlet is operatively connected to the water network; this apparatus comprises a system for detecting and/or measuring the flow of water through said outlet
Implementation Method 4
a device for detecting and/or measuring the pressure in the chamber adapted to emit a signal to start the pump of the network upon reaching a preset value defined 'restart pressure'
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Apparatus for managing the flow of a liquid, comprising an outer casing (11) defining an inner chamber (12) provided with an inlet (13) and with an outlet (14) for the liquid, characterized in that it comprises a gauge-holder body (16) with which there is associated a gauge (15), and reversible fixing means (23, 24, 25, 26, 27) for fixing said gauge-holder body (16) to said casing (11), on said casing (11) there being present a channel (17) for fluid communication between said chamber (12) and an operating area (18) in said gauge-holder body (16) associated with the sensitive portion (15A) of said gauge (15).