Pressurized HVAC Piping Stick Assembly for Leak-Checked Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current HVAC systems face challenges in assembly efficiency and component management on construction sites, leading to increased costs, labor inefficiencies, and difficulties in maintaining systems due to the need for on-site assembly and testing of complex terminal units, which are prone to damage and require extensive problem-solving for leaks and improper assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for manufacturing HVAC systems, specifically a piping stick with pressurized sections and indicators for cutting, which allows for pre-assembly and validation of components before shipping, enabling easier and more efficient installation by separating the piping stick into assembly portions and ensuring proper pressure validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terminal units are assembled on-site using separate components, then the system can be customized to specific building requirements, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to improper assembly and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling terminal units in a controlled manufacturing environment before shipping to the construction site. The terminal units are completely assembled, tested for leaks, and validated for proper operation prior to delivery. This eliminates on-site assembly activities, allowing contractors to simply unload and install pre-assembled units, thereby resolving the contradiction between customization capability and assembly efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If terminal units are assembled on-site, then components can be adjusted to fit specific installations, but the process requires extensive problem-solving for leaks and improper assembly, increasing labor costs and project delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary adjustments, leak tests, and validation activities in advance during manufacturing. Pressure testing is conducted on all terminal units before shipping to identify and repair any leaks. This preliminary problem-solving approach eliminates on-site troubleshooting and rework, allowing immediate installation without delays for leak detection or component adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates self-service features by including pressure gauges and test ports on the terminal units that allow for quick verification of proper assembly and pressure integrity. The pre-assembled units come with built-in testing capabilities that eliminate the need for extensive on-site diagnostic equipment and expertise, enabling contractors to quickly verify installation integrity without specialized problem-solving skills.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If terminal units are shipped as separate components, then shipping costs and damage risk are reduced, but on-site assembly requires extensive labor and specialized skills, increasing project costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completely assembling terminal units before shipping, so that installation on-site requires only simple unloading and connection activities. The pre-assembly is performed in controlled factory conditions with proper handling and protection, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly operations. This resolves the contradiction by making installation trivial while maintaining protection against shipping damage through professional manufacturing handling.
4Productivity
If terminal units are pre-assembled and shipped complete, then installation time and labor costs are reduced, but the units must be protected from damage during shipping and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing terminal units with built-in protective features and robust construction that anticipates shipping and handling stresses. The pre-assembled units are manufactured with reinforced structures and protective coatings to withstand transportation. This allows the units to be shipped complete and protected, resolving the contradiction between installation efficiency and damage resistance during transit.
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 approach reduces construction site labor costs, minimizes assembly time, and enhances the quality of HVAC system installation by allowing pre-assembly and validation of components, reducing the risk of damage and improving the overall efficiency of HVAC system assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the interior lumen and indicating a non-atmospheric pressure therein
Implementation Method 2
reading the pressure gauge to verify that the sealed interior lumen of the piping stick is pressurized to the non-atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a piping stick and methods of manufacturing and using a piping stick are disclosed herein. The piping stick can define a scalable volume including a plurality of piping sections and a plurality of control sections. The non-connected in his 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.