Ventilation Coupling Fluid Collection Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

In ventilation and flue gas discharge systems, condensate accumulation at coupling pieces can lead to uncontrolled fluid flow and potential malfunctions or damage, especially when the system is not installed vertically, and existing solutions fail to effectively drain fluid when the connecting opening is closed or lacks a discharge path.

Innovation Solution

The fluid collection channel in the coupling piece debouches into a fluid throughflow channel that connects internally to the peripheral wall, allowing for controlled drainage of collected fluid back into the coupling piece, even when the connecting opening is closed, and includes a flow resistance mechanism to ensure fluid is discharged via a branch pipe or a lower coupling piece.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a stop is provided in the coupling piece to prevent pipe segments from passing through, then the connecting openings can be protected from being blocked, but fluid accumulation occurs at the stop when the system is not installed vertically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting opening protectionVSAvoidfluid accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fluid collection channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the stop and the connecting opening. This channel collects fluid that accumulates at the stop and directs it toward the connecting opening for discharge, thereby resolving the contradiction between protecting the connecting opening and preventing fluid accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid collection channel extends in a radial direction from the stop toward the connecting opening, creating a new dimensional path for fluid discharge. This allows fluid to be collected and redirected along a different trajectory than the original vertical flow path, enabling effective drainage even when the system is not installed vertically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the connecting opening is closed to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid-tight sealing is improved, but collected fluid cannot be discharged when no branch pipe is connected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid-tight sealingVSAvoidfluid discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid collection channel acts as a mediator that provides an alternative discharge path. When the connecting opening is closed, fluid can still be collected and redirected through the channel to a lower coupling piece or combustion device, maintaining both sealing integrity and discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own structure (the fluid collection channel and existing discharge paths through lower coupling pieces or combustion devices) to handle fluid discharge when external branch pipes are not connected, making the system self-sufficient in managing condensate without requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fluid collection channel is added to collect and discharge fluid, then fluid accumulation is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid accumulation preventionVSAvoidcoupling piece structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid collection channel is merged with the existing stop structure and integrating it into the peripheral wall of the coupling piece. This combines multiple functions (stopping pipe segments, collecting fluid, and directing discharge) into a single integrated structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity while effectively preventing fluid accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution prevents fluid accumulation and ensures controlled drainage of condensate, reducing the risk of malfunctions and damage by guiding collected fluid back into the coupling piece for discharge through a combustion device or condensation outlet, maintaining a fluid-tight seal and preventing aggressive substances from affecting sealing components.

Implementation Method 1

During operation this condensed fluid or condensed liquid, such as condensed water or other liquid composition, flows downward in the pipe system under the influence of gravitational force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3156726B1Tubular coupling piece and branch pipe, particularly for use in a pipe system of a ventilation or flue gas discharge channel
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 COX GEELEN
  • EP3156726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3156726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3156726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Tubular coupling piece (30), particularly for use in a pipe system of a ventilation or flue gas discharge channel. The coupling piece (30) is provided in its peripheral wall (36) with at least one connecting opening (40, 41) for connection of a branch pipe (22) thereto. The coupling piece (30) is further provided with a stop for a pipe segment extending internally over a distance in radial direction around the peripheral wall (36). This stop is configured as fluid collection channel (45) for collecting fluid moving during use along the peripheral wall (36) in the coupling piece (30) and debouches into the at least one connecting opening (40, 41). The part (49) of the fluid collection channel (45) debouching into the connecting opening (40, 41) is provided with a fluid throughflow channel (51) connecting internally to the peripheral wall (36) of the coupling piece (30). Also provided is a branch pipe (22) with screw coupling for use with the coupling piece (30).