Y-Shaped Water Connection Flushing for Faster Dirt Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flushing and sampling devices for water house connections are complex and require significant technical effort for installation, with issues such as slower ejection of dirt particles and potential re-deposition due to abrupt flow redirection, necessitating a simpler and more efficient solution.

Innovation Solution

A flushing and sampling device with a Y-shaped design, featuring a flushing pipe body and support body, coaxially aligned connecting flanges compatible with conventional water meter connections, and a hose coupling for efficient flow and discharge, installed between shut-off valves to ensure effective flushing and sampling without undercuts, promoting uniform flow and effective contaminant removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an adapter fitting with a partition is used for flushing, then flushing and emergency supply are enabled, but the rinse water flow is abruptly slowed and redirected causing slower removal of dirt particles or deposition and resuspension of dirt particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushing capabilityVSAvoiddirt particle removal speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved pipe sections instead of sharp angles or partitions to redirect the rinse water flow. The curved geometry allows the water flow to transition smoothly from axial direction to radial direction without abrupt changes, maintaining high flow velocity throughout the redirection process and preventing dirt particle deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If conventional flushing devices are installed in water service connections, then flushing function is achieved, but the installation requires significant technical effort and complex integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflushing functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flushing device is designed with universal connection features that allow it to be integrated into existing water service connections without requiring specialized installation procedures. The device can serve multiple functions including flushing, emergency supply, and sampling, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and simplifying overall installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into modular components including connection elements, pipe sections, and functional components that can be assembled separately and then integrated into the water service connection. This segmentation allows for easier handling, installation, and maintenance while reducing the technical effort required for complete system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If rinse water is redirected perpendicular to the axis of the pipe-like section, then discharge path is achieved, but the flow velocity is reduced leading to slower dirt particle ejection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge path geometryVSAvoidflow velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses curved transition sections with optimized radius to redirect water flow from axial to radial direction. The curved geometry distributes the flow redirection over a longer path, maintaining higher flow velocity compared to sharp perpendicular redirection, thereby preventing dirt particle deposition and ensuring effective ejection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device enables rapid and uniform flushing, ensuring cleanliness and compliance with legal standards by intercepting thrust forces and maintaining a smooth flow path, facilitating easy installation and reuse while protecting against unauthorized water use.

Implementation Method 1

The flow path through which the flushing water flows within the flushing pipe body is limited by a flushing pipe wall without undercuts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

support body extending along a main axis and fixed to the flushing pipe body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce interception:

Data Source

PatentEP3575661B1Rinsing and sampling device for a domestic water connection
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 REWAG REGENSBURGER ENERGIE UND WASSERVERSORGUNG AG & CO
  • EP3575661B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3575661B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575661B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A flushing and sampling device (1) for a water service connection (20) is described, designed for installation between a first and a second shut-off valve (21, 22) of the water service connection (20). The flushing and sampling device (1) comprises at least one flushing pipe body (4) and a support body (5) extending along a main axis (HA) and fixed to the flushing pipe body (4), as well as a first and second connection flange (2, 3). The first connection flange (2) is located at the inlet end (4.1) of the flushing pipe body (4), which has an inlet opening (7). The second connection flange (3), arranged coaxially with the first connection flange (2), is located on the support body (5). The flushing pipe body (4) has an outlet opening (8) at its outlet end (4.2) for discharging flushing water.