Protective Pipe Fitting Cavity for Exposed Flow Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fittings do not adequately protect pipe flow controllers from damage, corrosion, and environmental hazards, particularly in underground or submerged applications, leading to potential leaks and system failures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting design that includes a base with a mounting seat, a base ring, and a base flange, along with a top hat featuring a top cap, top hat ring, and top hat flange, which forms a protective cavity around the pipe flow controller, directing impacts away and preventing corrosion, allowing the flow controller to remain attached for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pipe flow controllers are attached to pipes for flow control functionality, then flow control capability is improved, but vulnerability to damage from heavy machinery impacts and environmental corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where the base flange and top hat flange form concentric protective rings around the pipe flow controller. The base flange engages with the base ring, and the top hat flange engages with the top hat ring, creating layered protection that absorbs impacts before they reach the vulnerable flow controller components nested at the center.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the base flange and top hat flange as protective barriers that extend beyond the outer dimensions of the pipe flow controller. These flanges protrude outward to intercept and deflect heavy machinery impacts away from the flow controller, and provide shielding against environmental corrosion before the contaminants can reach the controller surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If pipe flow controllers are exposed to the environment for accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but exposure to corrosion and contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the flange structures as protective shells that enclose the pipe flow controller. The base flange and top hat flange create a protective cavity that shields the flow controller from environmental hazards while maintaining accessibility through the open design that allows operators to reach and manipulate the flow controller components.
3Reliability
If protective structures are added around pipe flow controllers, then protection from damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing the base flange and top hat flange structures to simultaneously provide mechanical protection from impacts, shielding from environmental corrosion, and structural support for the pipe flow controller. These protective elements also serve as mounting interfaces that engage with the base ring and top hat ring, eliminating the need for separate protective housings.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting having a base configured to engage with a pipe, the base having a mounting seat configured to engage directly with the pipe, a base ring configured to engage with the mounting seat, and a base flange configured to engage with the base ring, a top hat configured to engage with the base, the top hat having a top cap, a top hat ring configured to engage with the top cap, and a top hat flange configured to engage with the top hat ring, wherein the top hat flange is further configured to engage with the base flange to form a fitting cavity. A pipe flow controller may be in fluid communication with the internal pipe volume through a threaded nipple, while also being securely housed within the fitting cavity, thus protecting the pipe flow controller from corrosion, impacts and other forms of damage to prevent leakage.