Universal Pipe Sleeve Junction for Glue-Free Smoke Sampling Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aspirated smoke detection systems face delays and increased costs due to the use of glue for pipe connections and the need for additional parts like line end caps, which slow down installation and commissioning processes.
Innovation Solution
A universal pipe sleeve junction that allows for the connection of pipes without glue, incorporating a sleeve body and nozzle design with flanges for interference fits, enabling the joining of pipes, inclusion of sampling points, and reception of line end caps, thereby reducing the need for additional parts and speeding up installation and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glue is used for pipe connections, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (glue) with a mechanical connection system. The universal pipe sleeve junction uses a mechanical interface with the pipe that provides secure connection through physical engagement rather than chemical adhesion, eliminating the need for glue application and drying time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connection system is segmented into modular components: a universal pipe sleeve junction and separate pipe sections. This segmentation allows for pre-fabricated components that can be quickly assembled through mechanical means rather than requiring in-situ glue application, reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts like line end caps are used, then the system functionality is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal pipe sleeve junction is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple roles: it serves as a connection point for pipes, an integration point for sampling points, and a termination point for line end caps. This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized components into a single versatile element, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of previously separate components (pipe connection, sampling point integration, and line end cap reception) into a single universal pipe sleeve junction. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple additional parts while preserving all necessary system functionalities, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If sampling points are drilled into pipes, then the smoke detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling points are pre-integrated into the universal pipe sleeve junction during manufacturing rather than requiring post-installation drilling into pipes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field drilling operations, reducing safety risks and manufacturing complexity while ensuring proper sampling point placement and functionality from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal pipe sleeve junction acts as an intermediary component that provides sampling functionality without requiring modification of the pipe itself. The sampling points are incorporated into the sleeve junction structure, which then interfaces with the pipe, thereby eliminating the need to drill into the pipe while maintaining smoke detection capability.
4Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the commissioning time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is made dynamic and adaptable through the universal pipe sleeve junction's design that accommodates various pipe configurations and sampling point requirements through a single standardized interface. This dynamic capability allows installers to quickly adapt to different installation scenarios without switching between multiple specialized components, maintaining connection reliability while accelerating commissioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for a universal pipe sleeve junction for an aspirated smoke detection system are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a sleeve body having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an opening through the sleeve body, wherein the sleeve body further includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and a nozzle having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the nozzle defining an opening through the nozzle and extending through to the inner surface of the sleeve body, where the nozzle opening is configured to couple with a pipe sleeve attachment mechanism.