Plastic Intermediate Spindle Frost-Proof Outlet Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frost-proof outlet fittings are susceptible to frost damage due to improper handling, especially when hoses under pressure are connected during cold conditions, leading to water accumulation and potential freezing of the valve, which can cause damage.
Innovation Solution
The frost-proof outlet fitting uses a plastic intermediate spindle that expands to accommodate ice formation without damage, featuring a flow path within the hollow spindle up to the outlet housing, and includes thermal insulation and a clamping sleeve for enhanced sealing and strength, allowing it to be made from high-quality engineering plastics like POM, PE, or PA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal intermediate spindle is used in traditional frost-proof outlet fittings, then the structure provides high strength and rigidity, but it is susceptible to frost damage when water accumulates and freezes inside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the intermediate spindle from metal to plastic. This material substitution allows the spindle to expand when water inside freezes, preventing frost damage while maintaining sufficient structural strength through proper plastic material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic intermediate spindle is designed with inherent expansion capability to accommodate ice formation beforehand. This pre-planned accommodation space allows the spindle to absorb the volume increase when water freezes without suffering damage, effectively cushioning against frost damage before it occurs
2Reliability
If the outlet fitting is designed to empty the area between valve seat and outlet spout, then frost damage is prevented under normal operation, but improper handling with pressurized hoses can still cause water accumulation and freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic intermediate spindle provides a safety buffer that accommodates water accumulation even when the emptying mechanism fails due to improper operation. This beforehand cushioning capability protects against frost damage regardless of whether the fitting was properly emptied before freezing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of water accumulation into a beneficial feature by using the expansion capability of plastic material. Instead of viewing water accumulation as purely harmful, the design allows controlled expansion within the plastic spindle, transforming a failure scenario into a protected state
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional outlet fittings use metal components throughout, then manufacturing precision and durability are maintained, but cost-effective production and frost resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the intermediate spindle from metal to plastic, enabling cost-effective production while simultaneously providing frost damage resistance through the material's expansion capability. This single parameter change achieves both economic and functional improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet fitting employs a composite material strategy by using plastic for the intermediate spindle while potentially retaining metal for other components requiring high strength. This selective material application optimizes both cost and performance across different parts of the assembly
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
This design reduces the risk of frost damage, allows for cost-effective production, and ensures safe operation under all conditions by preventing water accumulation and ice expansion within the fitting, maintaining functionality even under improper handling.
Implementation Method 1
the plastic can compensate for the increase in volume resulting from freezing without being damaged, as is the case with metal pipes. The hollow spindle expands when it freezes (accommodates the increase in volume of ice)
Implementation Method 2
This annular space is used for thermal insulation from the water-carrying inner area, especially the hollow spindle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frost-proof outlet fitting and a method for its installation. The frost-proof outlet fitting has a valve body (10) which forms a valve seat (26), an outlet body (30), and an intermediate spindle (50) which is received in an intermediate pipe (80) that connects the outlet body (30) to the valve body. The intermediate spindle (50) is designed as a hollow spindle and forms a flow path for the fluid from the valve body (10) to the outlet body (30). To facilitate easier and more cost-effective installation and to protect against frost damage caused by freezing in the event of improper operation of the outlet fitting, the present invention proposes to design the intermediate spindle using a plastic pipe. In the installation method according to the invention, the intermediate pipe connected to the valve body is mounted on a building wall.The intermediate spindle (50), designed as a plastic tube, is cut to length and inserted into a receiving section (110) which is provided on a spindle of a valve top that can be inserted into the outlet housing. After the outlet housing is attached to the intermediate tube, a clamping sleeve (39) is pressed into the plastic tube (50) to radially compress the plastic tube (50) between the clamping sleeve (39) and the receiving section (110).