Rotatable Core Housing for Modular Pipeline Fluid Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline arrangements for fluid networks, such as drinking water systems, require complex and costly installations and maintenance for additional functions like water treatment or parameter measurement, often necessitating professional expertise and disrupting water flow during expansions or repairs.
Innovation Solution
A connection housing with a rotatable core piece that allows for easy blocking or opening of fluid flow, enabling direct insertion and rotation of functional units for simple installation and removal, along with a modular design and sealing elements for secure and tool-free assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional units are installed in drinking water installations, then water treatment or parameter measurement capabilities are improved, but installation effort and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a base connection housing and separate functional units that can be independently selected and installed. The connection housing provides the mounting structure, while functional units (filters, treatment devices, measurement sensors) are modular components that attach to the housing, allowing versatile configuration without complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection housing is designed as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple types of functional units through standardized connection interfaces. This allows the same base structure to support various water treatment functions and measurement capabilities, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functional units are installed in drinking water installations, then water treatment or parameter measurement capabilities are improved, but maintenance cost and professional expertise requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Functional units are segmented as removable modules that can be independently accessed and replaced. The connection housing provides access openings that allow users to reach and swap functional units without disassembling the entire system or requiring specialized maintenance equipment, simplifying repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to enable end-users to perform maintenance and replacement of functional units themselves through simple tool-free or minimal-tool operations. The modular design with accessible connections allows users to swap filters, treatment devices, or sensors without requiring professional plumber intervention, reducing maintenance costs and expertise requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional units are connected via flange attachment, then water treatment functionality is added, but installation becomes cumbersome and requires opening the water system
Solution Approach 1:
Functional units are nested within or attached to the connection housing structure, which itself is designed to fit within existing pipeline configurations. This nested arrangement allows functional units to be installed in the flow path without requiring complete system disassembly, as the housing integrates with the existing pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection housing is pre-assembled with mounting structures and connection interfaces before installation. Functional units come pre-configured with connection elements that match the housing, allowing for quick attachment without complex field assembly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for cumbersome on-site flange installation and system opening procedures.
4Ease of operation
If core piece is rotatably arranged for blocking or releasing flow, then flow control functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is merged with the functional unit installation operation itself. The core piece is positioned such that installing or removing a functional unit automatically rotates or moves the core piece to block or release flow, combining two operations into one action and avoiding separate complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The core piece is designed to move freely between blocked and open positions without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanical advantage systems. The geometry of the core piece and its interaction with the connection housing create a natural equilibrium that allows simple manual rotation or movement to achieve flow control, equalizing the effort required for different flow states.
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement (1) for installation in a pipeline of a fluid network, comprising a connection housing (2) with an inlet (3), an outlet (4), and a connection opening (5) for connecting an interchangeable functional unit (10), wherein the connection housing (2) has a rotatably arranged core piece (6) by the rotation of which the flow of the fluid through the connection housing (2) can be blocked and/or released, the core piece (6) has a receptacle (7) for connecting the functional unit (10), and the receptacle (7) and the connection opening (5) are oriented in the same direction.