Pre-Tensioned Pipe Expansion Compensator for Tight Wall Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal expansion compensating devices for pipes are often too large to fit within standard wall cavities, require significant labor and time for installation, and experience high physical stress due to thermal expansion, which can lead to damage and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
A compact thermal expansion compensating device featuring a fluid conduit with a resiliently deformable pipe segment and a pre-tensioning member that applies a pre-tensioning force to displace the conduit openings, converting thermal axial expansion into bending moments and relieving stress, allowing the device to fit within standard wall cavities and reducing installation time and physical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horizontal members are used to create loops for thermal expansion compensation, then thermal expansion can be compensated, but the device becomes too large to fit within standard wall cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pipe system into multiple sections using multiple telescopic members that can independently expand and contract. Each telescopic member handles a portion of the thermal expansion, allowing the overall device to be compact enough to fit within standard wall cavities while still providing effective thermal expansion compensation for the entire pipe run.
2Reliability
If prior art thermal expansion devices are installed behind walls, then thermal expansion can be compensated, but wall studs and other utilities must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a universal mounting system that can be installed in various locations including behind walls, under floors, or in accessible areas. The mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms are designed to work with standard building structures without requiring interruption of wall studs or interference with electrical and HVAC utilities, making the device adaptable to different installation scenarios.
3Reliability
If prior art thermal expansion devices are used, then thermal expansion can be compensated, but the devices may move against wall studs or utilities causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates guide members and constrained movement mechanisms that pre-establish controlled paths for telescopic member movement. These guide members prevent the telescopic members from moving laterally or rotating during expansion and contraction, thereby preventing contact with and potential damage to wall studs, electrical wiring, and HVAC utilities that might be present in the installation area.
4Reliability
If field-built compensating devices are used with components like elbows, then thermal expansion can be compensated, but the components experience high physical stress reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces traditional mechanical components like elbows, tees, and horizontal pipe sections with telescopic members that are specifically designed for thermal expansion compensation. These telescopic members use a controlled expansion mechanism with guide members and mounting brackets that distribute thermal stresses evenly throughout the structure, eliminating the concentrated stress points that occur at elbows and joints in traditional systems, thereby significantly extending component longevity.
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
The solution effectively decreases physical stress on the device and attached pipes, improving longevity and reducing installation costs by allowing the pre-tensioning member to be reused, while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing interference with other utilities.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable pipe segment defining a portion of the conduit and located between the first opening and the second opening
Implementation Method 2
a pre-tensioning member for applying a pre-tensioning force to substantially axially displace the first opening from the second opening by resiliently deforming the resiliently deformable pipe segment from a first rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal expansion compensating device has a conduit with a first opening and a second opening for connection to a first pipe and a second pipe of a hot water system, respectively, the first and second pipes being formed by removing a section from a length of pipe of the hot water system. A pre-tensioning force is applied to the device to axially displace the first opening from the second opening until after connection of the openings of the pipes. A resiliently deformable pipe segment defines a portion of the conduit between the first opening and the second opening and is resiliently deformed to a tensioned position by the application of the pre-tensioning force. Once the hot water system is activated, the pipes axially thermally expand such that the first opening moves towards the second opening and the pipe segment moves from the tensioned position towards a rest position decreasing the stress on the device.