Pipe Coupling Adaptor for Aquarium Overflow Siphon

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plumbing components for overflow siphon apparatuses are costly to manufacture, difficult to disassemble, and not easily cleanable, posing challenges in terms of connectability and pressure resistance, especially in aquarium applications.

Innovation Solution

A pipe adapter system comprising spaced apart pipe members with bridging members that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, using frictional engagement or adhesives, enabling the creation of a scalable and economical overflow siphon apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If injection molded or assembled pieces of flat material are used to make siphons or overflow boxes, then the apparatus can be manufactured with good connectability and pressure resistance, but the manufacturing cost increases and the apparatus becomes difficult to disassemble and clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple separate pipe components (U-shaped siphon tube, filter chamber, overflow box) that can be individually manufactured using simple, economical methods and then assembled together using standard pipe fittings. This segmentation allows each component to be made cost-effectively while maintaining good connectability through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If injection molded or assembled pieces of flat material are used to make siphons or overflow boxes, then the apparatus can be manufactured with good connectability and pressure resistance, but the apparatus becomes difficult to disassemble and clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidease of disassembly and cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses removable and reconfigurable pipe components connected by standard fittings, allowing the apparatus to transition between assembled and disassembled states. This dynamic design enables easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex components like flow regulators and removable legs are added to the siphon, then the siphon can provide controlled flow between the filter assembly and aquarium tank, but the manufacturing complexity increases and the risk of parts being lost or broken increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Standard pipe fittings and common plumbing components are used to provide flow control capabilities, eliminating the need for specialized, complex flow regulators. These universal components perform multiple functions (flow control, connection, support) and can be obtained from standard hardware sources, reducing manufacturing complexity and part loss risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates the assembly of a cost-effective, easy-to-clean, and leak-resistant overflow siphon apparatus by providing a simple and efficient method for coupling pipes, addressing the limitations of existing complex and expensive solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a bridging member connects the pair of pipe members and defines a passage between the pipe members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through passage:

Implementation Method 2

the additional pipe member is adapted for placement within the opening of the pair of pipe members through frictional engagement, such as through a 'taper fit' commonly employed in PVC pipe fittings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictional engagement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7717474B2Pipe coupling adaptor

Publication Date: 2010.05.18 GRAY ERIC

AI summary

An adaptor for coupling pipes together that has a pair of spaced apart pipe members disposed parallel to each other, with each of pair of pipe members including an opening at a top and at a bottom for receiving an additional pipe, and a bridging member connecting the pair of pipe members and defining a passage between the pipe members. A kit including an adaptor and one or more additional pipe members also is provided.