Pivotable Radiator Connection Piece for Dual Pipe Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connection parts for radiators require multiple variants to accommodate different installation configurations, leading to increased manufacturing and storage costs due to the need for various branching elements to manage fluid passages.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable branching element that can be initially configured for one installation variant and easily switched to another by pivoting, eliminating the need for separate connecting parts, with a two-part design incorporating a welded base body and a precision tube valve socket for cost-effective production and precise threading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of connection parts are produced for different installation configurations, then the adaptability to different installation scenarios is improved, but the manufacturing and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different installation configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing and storage costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The branching element is made pivotable within the connection part, allowing it to dynamically change position between a first position (closing first passage, opening second passage) and a second position (opening first passage, closing second passage). This dynamic configuration enables a single connection part to adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring multiple static variants, thereby reducing manufacturing and storage costs while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of connection parts are produced for different installation configurations, then the coverage of installation scenarios is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of installation scenariosVSAvoidnumber of connection part variants
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection part is designed with a universal branching element that can perform multiple functions by pivoting to different positions. The same branching element can close the first passage and open the second passage, or vice versa, depending on the installation configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized connection part variants, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage of installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a pivotable branching element is used to switch between configurations, then the manufacturing and storage costs are reduced, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing and storage costsVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The branching element is pre-configured in a default position during manufacturing, and the pivotable mechanism is pre-assembled within the connection part. This preliminary preparation allows the branching element to be easily repositioned later by simply pivoting it to the required position, rather than requiring complex assembly or disassembly operations. The preliminary action of pre-assembling the pivotable mechanism significantly reduces the operational effort needed to switch between configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2402677B1Method for configuring a connection piece and connection piece for a heater
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 CARADON HEATING EURO BV
  • EP2402677B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2402677B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2402677B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The method involves placing a branch element (30) in a connection piece (1) in a position. A passage between heating agent stages (3) and connecting stages (4) is closed in fluid proof manner, and another passage between the heating agent stages and other connecting stages (5) remains open in the position. The branch element is pivoted from another position into the former position. The former passage remains open and the latter passage is closed in fluid proof manner in the latter position. A supply pipe or a return pipe for heating agent is closed by the heating agent stages. An independent claim is also included for a connection piece for a heat body.