Modular Pipe Separator Kit With Detachable Funnel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe separator assemblies are cumbersome and costly due to the need for different configurations and installations, often requiring pipeline reconfiguration and separate components for various orientations, leading to increased manufacturing, storage, and installation expenses.

Innovation Solution

A modular kit comprising a connection module and a pipe separator module, where the pipe separator module is designed to be versatile and compatible with multiple connection modules, allowing for easy installation without pipeline modification, and featuring a piston that moves outside the medium-pressure chamber to minimize pressure drop and enhance compactness, with components like plastic valve parts reducing material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different configurations and installations are used for various orientations, then the pipe separator can adapt to different installation scenarios, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different orientationsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is designed with a universal structure that can function in any orientation. The discharge funnel is detachably connected to the piston, allowing the same piston assembly to be used regardless of installation orientation. This eliminates the need for different piston designs for vertical, horizontal, or angled installations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe separator is divided into modular components: the piston assembly and the discharge funnel are separate detachable parts. This segmentation allows the funnel to be oriented independently according to gravity requirements while the piston remains in its optimal position, enabling adaptability without increasing the complexity of each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the discharge funnel is firmly connected to the fitting, then the structure is simplified, but the orientation of the pipe separator is restricted and pipeline reconfiguration is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidinstallation orientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the discharge funnel and the piston is made dynamic rather than fixed. The detachable connection allows the funnel to be assembled in different orientations after the piston is installed, providing installation flexibility without complicating the manufacturing of individual components. The funnel can be attached at the appropriate angle to ensure proper drainage according to gravity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the piston is located inside the medium-pressure chamber, then the structure is compact, but the pressure drop across the piston increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidpressure drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The piston is extracted from the medium-pressure chamber and positioned outside it. The piston is located in the inlet pressure chamber, separated from the medium-pressure chamber by the upstream non-return valve. This extraction eliminates the pressure drop that would occur if the piston were immersed in the medium-pressure flow, while the overall structure remains compact due to the integrated design of the pressure chambers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 modular design reduces manufacturing and storage costs by allowing a single pipe separator module to serve multiple configurations, simplifies installation, and minimizes pressure drop, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective solution for fluid system separation.

Implementation Method 1

the inlet pressure first presses the piston of the drain valve against the action of a spring acting on it into its operating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

against the action of a spring acting on it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

spring-loaded valves that only allow liquid flow in one direction, namely from the upstream to the downstream system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2644789B1Modular kit for pipe splitting devices
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 HANS SASSERATH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2644789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2644789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2644789B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The assembly (10) has upstream and downstream back-flow preventers (18, 20) arranged in a housing and coaxially arranged with each other at a pipeline. A valve seat (54) is co-acted with the seat seal. A housing connecting piece (40) is provided at the housing for discharging liquid, which is emerged through an outlet valve. A piston (60) is moved perpendicular to a flow direction prevailing in a medium pressure chamber (33). The piston is movably guided in the pressure chamber outer side of a flow prevailing in the connecting piece. The piston and the valve seat are made of plastic material.