Integrated Tee Union Ball Drain Valve With Fewer Leak Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tee union drain valves require multiple components, leading to additional leak paths, increased assembly time, and space requirements due to separate piping segments and components needed for draining, valving, and tee union connections.
Innovation Solution
A tee union ball drain valve design with a valve body featuring a fluid passageway and integrated drain path at a 90° angle, incorporating first and second valve members for controlling fluid flow between the fitting end, union end, and drain port, along with a coupling member and seal to minimize leak paths and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (drain segment, valve, tee union, piping segments) are used to create a drain valve assembly, then the system provides draining and valving capabilities, but the number of leak paths increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drain segment, valve body, and tee union into a single integrated valve body component. The drain path is formed as an integral part of the valve body, eliminating the need for separate drain segments and multiple connection points. This merging of components directly reduces the number of potential leak paths while maintaining all necessary draining and valving functions.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components and piping segments are used to couple drain, valve, and tee union together, then the system provides complete draining and valving functionality, but assembly time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of drain path, valve mechanism, and tee union connections into a single valve body component dramatically reduces the number of assembly steps. Installers no longer need to separately connect drain segments, valves, and tee unions with multiple piping segments - they simply install the single integrated component, significantly reducing assembly time and labor requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple separate components are used for drain, valve, and tee union connections, then the system provides complete draining and valving capabilities, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated valve body design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components occupying different spatial volumes. The drain path is routed through the valve body itself, and the tee union connections are integrated into the same component structure, significantly reducing the overall space required for the drain valve assembly while maintaining full functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A tee union ball drain valve member utilizes a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member is positioned at the intersection of the third passageway of the valve body and the drain path. The second valve member is located in the drain path. The valve body is coupled to a tee union. The first valve member and second valve member permit draining of the valve body.