T-Connector Membrane Vent for Radiator Flow and Air Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for water systems, particularly 3-way or T-connectors with elastomeric membrane vents, face challenges such as uneven flow, turbulence, and limited adjustability due to non-adjustable deflection bodies, which are costly to produce and install, and often lack effective ventilation and control mechanisms for serial or parallel radiator configurations.
Innovation Solution
A 3-way or T-connector design featuring a central piece with offset channels and sealing surfaces, incorporating a valve insert assembly and a bleeder attachment assembly with a semipermeable elastomer membrane for automatic ventilation, allowing for adjustable flow control and separate ventilation of radiator panels, and featuring a cylindrical or flat-cylinder sealing mechanism for universal compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-adjustable deflection body is used in the connector, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different heat demands and flow requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed, non-adjustable deflection body with an adjustable deflection body that can be positioned at different angles. This allows the connector to dynamically adapt to varying heat demands and flow requirements by adjusting the deflection angle, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the deflection body to vary its angular position parameter. This adjustable parameter allows the system to optimize flow distribution according to different operating conditions, achieving adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a cylindrical hollow body with conical surface is introduced to improve flow distribution, then the flow uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex cylindrical hollow body with conical surface into simpler geometric components that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This reduces the manufacturing complexity and production cost while maintaining the flow distribution uniformity achieved by the original complex geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved surfaces and rounded transitions in the deflection body design to improve flow distribution uniformity. By employing smooth curved geometries rather than sharp edges, the design achieves better flow characteristics while being more manufacturable than complex conical-cylindrical combinations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is designed for both serial and parallel radiator connections, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the connector with a standardized interface and adjustable deflection body that can accommodate both serial and parallel radiator connection configurations. The same basic connector structure serves multiple functions by adjusting the deflection angle, reducing the need for different specialized connectors and simplifying the overall system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the deflection body position is made adjustable, then the adaptability to different currents is improved, but the ease of installation and permanent positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-marked position indicators and guide features on the adjustable deflection body. These preliminary markings guide the installer to the correct position during installation, making the adjustment process straightforward and ensuring proper positioning without requiring complex tools or procedures.
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 provides efficient flow control, reduces turbulence, and enables effective ventilation of serially or parallelly connected radiators, enhancing system performance and reducing production costs by using a modular, easily assembled design with adjustable sealing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a bleeder attachment assembly (80) with a semipermeable elastomer membrane (110) for automatic ventilation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Connection piece with further functions for a water-technical device - in particular a 3-way or T-connection piece with an elastomer membrane air vent (1), consisting of a connection piece (10) with three lying in one plane, each offset by 90° a central middle piece (14) of the connecting piece - namely a flow branch (11), a return branch (12) lying opposite and a central connecting branch (13) - the central middle piece having means for the media flow and return in the central connecting branch to be guided separately, characterized in that the elastomeric membrane breather (20) consists of - a valve insert assembly (30) with -- a 2-channel insert (40) -- a ball valve (70, 71) per channel and -- a 2nd - channel base body (60) and - a ventilation attachment assembly (80) with - a cover insert (90) - a semipermeable membrane (110) - an intermediate disc (130) and - a Sch screw cover (150) with decorative cover (152), the assemblies (30, 80) are mounted sealed to form a vent (20) and this is tightly connected in the central center piece (14) to the means, the media flow and return - at opened ball valves, also under test pressure - leads separately to the membrane (110) and degassed by means of this via gas channels (133, 155).