Piping stick systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems face challenges in efficient assembly and commissioning, particularly due to the use of lightweight materials that are prone to damage during shipping and installation, leading to increased construction costs and difficulties in maintaining the systems over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a piping stick with pressurized sections and indicators for cutting, allowing for pre-assembly and validation before shipping, which can be easily integrated into HVAC systems to reduce assembly time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lightweight materials are used for HVAC components, then ease of installation is improved, but damage resistance during shipping and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling HVAC components into integrated units at the factory before shipping. The terminal units are pre-connected to piping assemblies with all necessary components (coils, valves, insulation) already in place, allowing the lightweight materials to be installed efficiently while protecting them from damage during transport through factory-controlled assembly processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-assembly is performed on construction sites, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the complex pre-assembly operations at the factory rather than on-site. Terminal units and piping assemblies are manufactured with all components pre-connected and pre-tested in controlled factory environments, then shipped as ready-to-install modules that require minimal assembly on construction sites, thereby reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining adaptability through modular design
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are assembled on construction sites, then customization to specific locations is improved, but assembly complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the HVAC system into modular terminal units and piping assemblies that can be independently manufactured and then easily combined on-site. Each module is self-contained with standardized connection interfaces, allowing customization to specific locations through simple module selection and arrangement rather than complex custom assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability
4Productivity
If integrated units with pre-connected components are used, then installation efficiency is improved, but potential for shipping damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective packaging and cushioning materials during factory assembly and shipping preparation. The integrated units are carefully packaged with protective elements that absorb shock and prevent damage during transport, allowing the units to be shipped as complete assemblies for efficient installation while mitigating the inherent risk of shipping damage through preventive protective measures
Data Source
AI summary
The piping stick can define a sealable volume including a plurality of piping sections and a plurality of control sections. The non-connected end of the piping sections of the piping stick can be capped. The piping stick can be assembled by assembling the plurality of control sections and the plurality of piping sections, pressurizing the piping stick at a first time and determining the integrity of the piping stick by evaluating the pressure in the piping stick at a second time.