PVDF Distributor Arrangement with Threaded Branch Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributor arrangements for liquids and gases face challenges in manufacturing simplicity, assembly reliability, and flexible connection options, as they often require specific components and suffer from corrosion issues with metal connections.

Innovation Solution

The use of polyvinylidene fluoride (P.V.D.F) for the main distribution line with internally and externally threaded connections, allowing for easy assembly and connection of multiple branch lines without special insulation, and incorporating trapezoidal threads with end stops for enhanced safety and versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal branch line connections are injection molded onto a plastic main distribution line, then assembly reliability is improved, but corrosion occurs at contact points with metallic pipes requiring special insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by making the entire distributor arrangement (main distribution line and branch line connections) from the same plastic material P.V.D.F, eliminating material interfaces between dissimilar materials. This prevents galvanic corrosion that would occur between metal and plastic components, while maintaining assembly reliability through uniform material properties and integrated molding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

2Ease of manufacture

If all connecting devices have the same thread type, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconnection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing connecting devices with different thread types (internal and external threads) at different locations on the main distribution line. This asymmetric design allows the distributor arrangement to connect to various pipe configurations and orientations, enabling flexible adaptation to different installation scenarios while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each connecting device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Area of stationary object

If multiple distributor arrangements are connected in series, then coverage area is expanded, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by designing the distributor arrangement as a modular system where multiple identical or similar units can be connected in series through standardized connecting devices. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, then combined to cover larger areas. The use of standardized threads and interchangeable connecting devices maintains assembly simplicity even as the system scales to cover extensive areas through series connection of multiple modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2053298B1Distributor arrangement
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 HENCO IND
  • EP2053298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2053298B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2053298B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The distributor arrangement comprises a main distribution line (1a) and a branch line connection (2a). The main distribution line and the branch line connection are together manufactured from a plastic material. The plastic material is polyvinylidene fluoride. Both the branch line connections are formed on the main distribution lines.