Panel Radiator Drain Plug Structure for Complete Leak-Controlled Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel radiators face issues with incomplete drainage due to the risk of the drainage plug not fully opening the passage between flow and return connections, leading to unintended leakage of heating medium into the environment, causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A radially acting sealing element is attached to the drainage plug to ensure the drainage opening is properly opened before draining, and a reducer with a drainage plug is used to facilitate easy drainage while preventing leakage, with the drainage plug being designed to allow flow through specific cross-sections even when partially unscrewed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drainage plug is slightly loosened but not completely unscrewed, then the flow of heating medium can be regulated during drainage, but the passage between flow and return connection may not be fully opened, leading to incomplete drainage and unexpected leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage plug is divided into two functionally distinct parts: a first section with axial flow passages that allows controlled drainage when partially unscrewed, and a second section that must be completely removed to open the radial passage. This segmentation enables both regulated flow control and complete drainage without contradiction.
2Reliability
If the drainage plug is completely unscrewed, then complete drainage is achieved, but the heating medium leaks out uncontrollably into the environment causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage process is structured in two sequential stages: first, the radial passage is opened by removing the second plug section to enable complete drainage; second, the first plug section is unscrewed to a controlled extent to allow regulated discharge. This preliminary opening of the radial passage ensures complete drainage while the controlled unscrewing of the first section prevents uncontrolled environmental leakage.
3Device complexity
If a simple blocking section is used in the drainage plug, then the structure remains simple, but there is no indication that the passage is fully opened, leading to unnoticed incomplete drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage plug is segmented into two distinct sections with different functions: the first section controls axial flow and can be partially unscrewed for regulated drainage, while the second section blocks the radial passage and must be completely removed for full drainage. This segmentation provides inherent visual and operational feedback to the user about the drainage state.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-section plug structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's drainage action and the actual flow state. The presence or absence of the second plug section in the radial passage provides clear indication of whether complete drainage is achieved, while the first section's partial unscrewing allows controlled discharge.
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
This method ensures reliable drainage of the panel radiator by preventing heating medium from remaining unnoticed, thereby avoiding environmental damage and making the drainage process more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a radially acting sealing element is attached to the drainage plug, which tightly closes the drainage opening
Implementation Method 2
a screw thread of the drainage plug, which is screwed into the reducing piece, has at least one cross section through which flow can flow axially
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The method involves attaching a plate radiator to a supply of a build-lateral heating system by a supply connection (2). A return connection (3) attaches the plate radiator to a return part of the heating system. A distributor fitting (1) connects a front plate of the radiator with the supply connection. A detachable drainage plug locks drainage at the distributor fitting, and locks a passage between the supply connection and the return connection in the distributor fitting. The passage is opened first by loosening the drainage plug, and after that the drainage is opened.