Skirting Radiator Elbow Connectors for Corner Seal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skirting radiator systems face difficulties during installation at room corners, particularly when connecting panels, leading to potential damage of connectors and seals, and loose connections under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A radiator system with elongate panels and ported elbow connectors, featuring a first spigot longer than a second spigot, allows for easier corner connections by retracting the first spigot to facilitate parallel alignment and secure fixing of panels without straining connectors, using retaining clips to maintain seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the corner connector is fitted into the conduit in the first panel and the second panel is presented to the connector at an angle to the second wall, then the far end of the panel does not interfere with the opposite wall, but the connector is damaged or strained and the seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot is designed to be movable within the conduit, capable of extending and retracting. During installation, the spigot is withdrawn to allow the panel to be positioned at the correct angle against the wall, then extended to secure the connection. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling both easy installation and reliable sealing without permanent strain on the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot is pre-configured to be retractable before installation. The retractable mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing the installer to withdraw the spigot to create clearance for proper panel alignment, then extend it to establish the sealed connection. This preliminary preparation of the spigot mechanism enables both ease of operation and connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the panel is positioned at an angle during installation, then the connector can be fitted without interference, but the connector works loose under pressure during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot transitions from a static to a dynamic component that can extend and retract. During installation, it retracts to facilitate easy connector fitting. During operation, it extends to provide stable, strain-free connection that resists pressure-induced loosening. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of fitting and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spigot's position parameter is changed during different phases: retracted during installation for ease of fitting, extended during operation for stability under pressure. This parameter change allows the connector to accommodate both installation convenience and operational reliability requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A radiator, particularly a skirting radiator for heating a room space is mounted just above level. An elongate panel (10) for mounting on a wall (112, 113) has a first surface (11) for facing away from the wall (112, 113) and an opposed second surface (12) for facing said wall (112, 113). A pair of longitudinally extending conduits (17) connected to the second surface (12) and for carrying heating fluid are designed so that the panel (10) is slim. Each conduit (17) has a depth less than its height. A releasably connectable upper member (34) closes a clearance between the panel (10) and the wall (112, 113) and a releasably connectable depending skirt (37) may be cut to size to take up any clearance between the panel (10) and the floor. Adjacent panels (10) are interconnected by ported connectors (70) that are retained in the conduits (17) by retaining clips (80). Ported elbow connectors (70) with one spigot (71) longer than the other are provided to render the installation process easier.