Multi-Line Coupling Element for Compact Water Treatment Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection pieces for fluid line sections in water treatment systems have a short service life for the rotatable adjusting disk, leading to increased maintenance time and costs, and require additional pipelines that complicate installation and handling, limiting their use and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A connection piece that connects three fluid lines in a fluid-tight manner, allowing for mechanical connection of two fluid line sections and an additional line without the need for separate lines, featuring a multiple connection design with a planar connection area and sealing elements for easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporating metal fluid lines for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable adjusting disk is used to connect channels in the connection piece, then the connection piece can switch between operating position and bypass position, but the service life of the adjusting disk is short compared to other components, leading to increased maintenance time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece is divided into separate functional components: a body with integrated fluid pathways and a removable cartridge containing the adjusting disk. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced independently without replacing the entire connection piece, extending the overall service life while maintaining switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting disk is replaced by a cartridge system with adjustable flow control elements that can be modified or replaced. This parameter change in the control mechanism design eliminates the wear limitations of rotatable disks while preserving the ability to switch between operating modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a generic connection piece is used to connect a water treatment device to a pipeline with a further pipeline leading into the water network, then connection is possible, but the additional pipeline requires increased installation effort and increases the weight of the water treatment device
Solution Approach 1:
The connection piece integrates multiple fluid pathways directly into its body structure, merging the functions of connecting to the pipeline and the water treatment device with the additional line for water network connection. This eliminates the need for separate additional pipelines, reducing installation effort and device weight while maintaining full connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides connection to the pipeline, connection to the water treatment device, and connection to the water network through integrated pathways. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate connection components and additional pipelines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipelines and connections are used to connect the water treatment device to the water network, then connection functionality is achieved, but careful handling during assembly and disassembly is essential which often cannot be guaranteed during construction site operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The cartridge can be independently installed or removed from the connection piece body, simplifying assembly and disassembly operations. This modular design reduces the complexity of handling multiple pipelines while maintaining full connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is pre-configured with integrated fluid pathways and connection points during manufacturing. The cartridge is pre-assembled with flow control elements before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations and reduces the risk of improper handling during construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connection piece (1) for connecting two fluid line sections (2, 3), in particular a domestic water installation, with two fluid lines (7, 8) of at least one water treatment device (4), comprising - a first connection (5) for a first fluid line section (2), - a second connection (6) for a second fluid line section (3), - a multiple connection (10) for the simultaneous connection of the two fluid lines (7, 8) of the water treatment device (6), wherein the multiple connection (10) is designed such that when connecting the two fluid lines (7, 8) it also simultaneously connects a third fluid line (9) of the water treatment device (4) to an additional line (11) in the connection piece (1) in a fluid-tight manner.