Modular Water Meter Tap Joint for Leak-Safe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for water meters face challenges in alignment due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential leaks and seal deterioration, and are complex to install due to the bulk of elbow valves requiring quarter turns for positioning.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with modular angular positions, featuring two elbow parts with inclined and straight ends connected via a sealed rotary mechanism, allowing for simplified installation and rotation to align with water meter outlets without blocking, using pressure retaining rings and stops to limit rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an angled valve is used to connect the water meter to the water network, then the connection can be made, but the installation becomes complex requiring quarter turns and the valve may be blocked by the meter body
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two separate bent parts (first bent part and second bent part) that can be independently positioned. The first bent part connects to the water meter while the second bent part connects to the water network, allowing each part to be optimally positioned without interfering with the other, thus eliminating the blocking issue and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the valve in multiple directions through the two bent parts. Instead of a single angled valve requiring quarter-turn installation, the first bent part extends in one direction from the meter and the second bent part extends in another direction to the network, creating a modular spatial configuration that simplifies installation.
2Volume of moving object
If the valve is positioned close to the water meter body, then the connection is compact, but the valve gets blocked by the meter body preventing proper tightening
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve into two bent parts connected by a rotary connection, the first bent part can be positioned close to the water meter for compactness while the second bent part extends away to provide adequate space for tightening operations. The rotary connection allows the second bent part to be positioned optimally for accessibility during installation and maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing tolerances are not严格控制, then the production cost is lower, but the thread alignment between valve and meter becomes incorrect causing leaks and seal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary connection between the first and second bent parts provides dynamic adjustment capability. During installation, the second bent part can be rotated to achieve precise angular alignment with the water network pipes, compensating for any manufacturing tolerances in the thread positions. This dynamic positioning ensures correct alignment and reliable sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the valve allows rotation for alignment, then the adaptability to different pipe positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary connection functionality is merged into the existing valve structure by making the connection between the two bent parts itself a rotary joint. This integrates the rotation mechanism directly into the valve body without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby providing angular position adaptability while minimizing additional device complexity.
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
Facilitates quick and reliable connection of water meter taps to horizontal outlets with simplified rotational movements, reducing the risk of leaks and seal damage, and eliminating the need for complex quarter-turn installations.
Implementation Method 1
the two straight ends of the bent parts are connected to each other by means of a sealed rotary connection making it possible to modulate a position of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the straight ends of the valve are fitted together and secured together by means of a pressure retaining ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3b
AI summary
The present invention proposes an optimized connection device to facilitate its installation on a horizontal type water meter, in particular by means of a modular tap.In particular, the invention relates to a connection device (1) for a horizontal water meter, said device comprising at least one tap (200) comprising two angled parts (20, 30), each angled part (20, 30) comprising an inclined end (22, 32) intended for its connection to the meter or the water network, and a straight connecting end (21, 31), in which: -the two straight ends (21, 31) of the angled parts (20, 30) are connected to each other by means of a watertight rotating link allowing a position of the tap (200) to be modulated; and -the tap (200) has a locked position in which the two inclined ends (22, 32) are oriented towards an axial and vertical center of the water meter, and an open position in which one of the inclined parts (22) is oriented towards said axial center and the other inclined part (32) is oriented towards a side opposite said axial center.