Plastic Pipe Top-Piece with Retrofittable Chamber Pressure Relief Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing top-piece devices for plastic pipes have a pressure relief valve located in a branch that becomes inaccessible once connected, requiring special measures for installation and making retrofitting difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
The pressure relief valve is positioned in the chamber, allowing it to be fitted after the top-piece device is installed, with options for suspension from the closing means or a piece of pipe, enabling flexible installation and retrofitting without disrupting the pipe's pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pressure relief valve is located in the branch extending transversely from the chamber, then the device structure is established, but the pressure relief valve becomes inaccessible after the branch pipe is connected and can only be fitted before top-piece device installation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is inverted from the traditional transverse branch location to a position within the chamber itself, suspended from the closing means. This inversion makes the valve permanently accessible through the chamber opening while maintaining device functionality, allowing installation and retrofitting without branch connection constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber serves multiple functions: it houses the introduction non-return valve, provides access for tool introduction, and now accommodates the pressure relief valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate transverse branch, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining all required functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pressure relief valve is fitted from the free end of the branch line, then the valve can be installed, but special measures are required to fix the valve and the branch must remain accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is extracted from the transverse branch and relocated to the chamber, where it is suspended from the closing means. This extraction eliminates the need for complex fixing measures in the branch line, as the valve is now securely positioned within the chamber structure itself, accessible through the chamber opening.
3Productivity
If the top-piece device is incorporated into the pipe network under pressure, then the pipe network remains operational, but the branch becomes inaccessible for pressure relief valve installation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the pressure relief valve in the transverse branch that becomes inaccessible under pressure, the valve is inverted to a position within the chamber. This location remains accessible through the chamber opening even when the top-piece device is installed on the pressurized pipe network, allowing valve installation without network shutdown.
4Ease of operation
If the pressure relief valve housing has an external diameter greater than the gasket internal diameter, then the valve can be suspended directly from the closing means, but the valve size is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with an enlarged internal diameter specifically to accommodate the pressure relief valve housing. This parameter change in the gasket dimensions allows direct suspension of the valve from the closing means without size constraints, while maintaining proper sealing 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
Enables flexible and cost-effective installation of pressure relief valves in existing service pipes with minimal fluid loss, maintaining sealing and preventing gasket deformation.
Implementation Method 1
an introduction non-return valve via which a tool can be introduced into the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pressure relief valve which is in an open position in the rest position and which can be brought to the closed position when a predetermined current force and/or a pressure difference across the pressure relief valve is exceeded
Implementation Method 3
a pressure relief valve which is in an open position in the rest position and which can be brought to the closed position when a predetermined current force and/or a pressure difference across the pressure relief valve is exceeded
Implementation Method 4
a gasket for sealing said tool with respect to the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A top-piece device (1) for a plastic pipe (2) for transporting a fluid comprises a saddle (3) which can be fitted on the plastic pipe (2) and a top piece (9) which cooperates with the saddle. The top piece has a chamber (12) with an outlet on the side (10) which is to be turned towards the plastic pipe, an introduction non-return valve (17) via which a tool (21, 22) can be introduced into the chamber, a gasket (16) for sealing said tool with respect to the chamber, a closing means (15) on that end (14) of the chamber which is situated opposite the outlet, a pressure relief valve (24) which is in an open position in the rest position and which can be brought to the closed position when a predetermined current force and/or pressure difference across the pressure relief valve is exceeded, and a branch (13) which is connected to the chamber (12). The pressure relief valve (24) is situated in the chamber (12).