Internal Locking Siphon Elbow for Narrow Passageway Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing siphon elbows require external tools to lock into an angled configuration, limiting their compactness and ease of installation in narrow passageways, such as those found in papermaking dryers.
Innovation Solution
A siphon elbow with an internal locking system that includes a partially spherical indentation and a generally spherical extension, along with a spring and locking retainer, allows the second elongated body to pivot and lock into an angled configuration without external tools, enabling fluid communication between pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external tools are used to lock the siphon elbow into an angled configuration, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of installation and compactness deteriorate due to the requirement for external tools in narrow passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon elbow incorporates an internal locking system where the locking retainer, spring, and spherical extension work together to automatically lock the second elongated body into the angled configuration without requiring external tools. The spring provides automatic engagement force, and the spherical extension interacts with the partially spherical indentation to secure the locked position, enabling the device to lock itself during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking retainer is disposed within the bore of the first elongated body, and the spring is positioned within the locking retainer's bore, creating a nested arrangement. This nested structure allows the locking mechanism components to be contained within the siphon elbow itself, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining compactness for installation through narrow passageways.
2Ease of operation
If the siphon elbow is designed with an internal locking system, then the ease of installation is improved by eliminating external tools, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking retainer with its bore and chamfer, the spring with its two ends for engagement, the spherical extension on the second elongated body, and the partially spherical indentation on the first elongated body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes spherical geometry with the generally spherical extension on the second elongated body engaging with the partially spherical indentation on the first elongated body. This spherical interaction simplifies the locking action to a straightforward rotational movement while providing reliable engagement, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the siphon elbow diameter is reduced for easier installation in narrow passageways, then the ease of installation is improved, but the structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The siphon elbow incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows the second elongated body to rotate from a first configuration (longitudinally aligned with the first elongated body) to a second configuration (angled relative to the first elongated body). This dynamic capability allows the siphon elbow to pass through narrow passageways in a compact linear form and then expand to the required angled configuration for proper condensate removal positioning, effectively navigating spatial constraints without compromising final structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A siphon elbow for pivotally connecting a first pipe and a second pipe in fluid communication. A first elongated body has a bore extending therethrough and a partially spherical indentation within the bore. A second elongated body has a bore extending therethrough and a generally spherical extension on a first end that pivotally engages the partially spherical indentation of the first elongated body. An internal locking system is disposed in at least one of the bores and locks the second elongated body into an operating configuration in which an angle formed between the first elongated body and the second elongated body is less than 180-degrees. Pivoting of the second elongated body from an installation configuration in which the angle is approximately 180-degrees to the operating configuration activates the internal locking system.