A pipe part and a connection between two pipe parts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections in heating and cooling systems face challenges in achieving leak-proof and robust sealing, particularly under external forces and internal pressure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a male pipe end with a connection element and a first circumferential sealing surface, featuring an annular lip section and optional sealing rings, which increases the outer diameter towards the male pipe end, along with a seamless sealing surface to enhance leak-proofing and robustness. The connection between pipe parts includes aligned circumferential sealing surfaces and annular protrusions to handle internal pressure and external forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional threaded connection is used to connect pipe parts, then the connection can be assembled, but the sealing reliability is insufficient and vulnerable to leakage under external forces and internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the threaded connection zone for assembly, the annular lip section for structural reinforcement, and the circumferential sealing surface zone for leak-proof sealing. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the others, thereby improving sealing reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular lip section and circumferential sealing surface are pre-formed as integral parts of the pipe end before connection assembly. The lip section protrudes outward to provide preliminary structural support and positioning, while the sealing surface is pre-prepared to ensure immediate sealing contact upon assembly, eliminating the need for additional sealing components or complex assembly steps.
2Strength
If the pipe connection structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the robustness against external forces and internal pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The annular lip section and circumferential sealing surface are merged as integral features of the pipe end structure, formed simultaneously with the pipe body in a single manufacturing process. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps or additional components, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly enhancing robustness against external forces and internal pressure through the reinforced lip structure.
3Reliability
If a seamless circumferential sealing surface is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to accommodate sealing rings for enhanced leak-proofing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential sealing surface acts as an intermediary between the rigid pipe structure and the flexible sealing ring. The surface is designed with a specific profile that accommodates the sealing ring while distributing contact pressures evenly. This intermediary design allows the sealing ring to compensate for minor manufacturing variations, achieving high leak-proof performance without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the sealing surface itself.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pipe part (1) having a male end (10) comprising an annular male pipe end (11), a connection element (12) for connecting the male end to a pipe part having a female end, which connection element is arranged at an outer surface of the male end at a distance from the male pipe end (11), and a first circumferential sealing surface (13) arranged on an outer surface of the male end at a distance from the male pipe end (11), wherein the first circumferential sealing surface (13) is arranged between the male pipe end (11) and the connection element (12). Further, an annular lip section (14) is provided between the male pipe end (11) and the first circumferential sealing surface (13) so that outer diameter of the lip section (14) increases towards the male pipe end (11).