Adapter Piece for Connecting Pipes of Varying Cross-Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection technologies face challenges in efficiently connecting pipes of different cross-sections without causing damage or compromising the integrity of the pipe material, especially for flexible composite pipes and thin-walled copper pipes, while ensuring a secure and leak-proof seal.
Innovation Solution
An adapter piece with a support sleeve, compression sleeve, and flange design that includes a flexible inner seal and radially deformable compression connector, featuring helical peripheral toothing and a cam-shaped end to accommodate different pipe sizes and materials, ensuring secure connection and preventing deformation of thin-walled pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a standard press connector is used to connect pipes of different cross-sections, then the connection process remains simple and fast, but the pipe material may be damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter piece acts as an intermediary component between pipes of different cross-sections. It includes a support sleeve that fits inside the pipe and a compression sleeve that fits outside, with a flange connecting them. This intermediary structure allows standard press connectors to connect pipes of different sizes without directly compressing the pipe walls, thus maintaining pipe integrity while enabling fast connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter piece is segmented into multiple functional components: a support sleeve (inside the pipe), a compression sleeve (outside the pipe), and a flange (connecting both). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the support sleeve protects the pipe interior, the compression sleeve provides external support during pressing, and the flange transmits the connection force - thereby preventing pipe deformation while maintaining connection speed.
2Strength
If a press fitting connection is made by deforming the pipe and press fitting, then a secure connection with high tensile and torsional strength is established, but the pipe material may suffer from cutting, shearing or notch effects
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter piece serves as a mediator that absorbs the deformation forces during pressing. The support sleeve inside the pipe and the compression sleeve outside distribute the pressing forces uniformly, preventing localized cutting, shearing, or notch effects on the pipe material. The flange connects these sleeves to transmit the connection force, ensuring secure attachment without damaging the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter piece changes the pressure distribution parameters during the pressing process. By providing a larger surface area through the flange and distributing the force through the support and compression sleeves, it reduces the peak pressure on the pipe wall, preventing material damage while still achieving the necessary connection strength through controlled deformation of the adapter components themselves.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe insertion depth is not precisely controlled, then the connection process remains simple, but the sealing effect and connection reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter piece includes a flange with a predetermined geometry that performs the preliminary action of limiting pipe insertion depth. The flange's inner surface is positioned at a specific distance from the pressing surface, creating a natural stop that ensures the pipe is inserted to the correct depth before pressing begins. This preliminary positioning action ensures reliable sealing without requiring complex control mechanisms, maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enables reliable and secure connection of pipes with varying cross-sections, maintaining pipe integrity and preventing leakage, while allowing the use of standard press connectors, and accommodating the specific needs of flexible composite and thin-walled copper pipes.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible inner seal 5 is arranged on the outside of the support sleeve 2, which seals to the inside of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the outside of the compression sleeve 3 has a suitable connection area 33 for a radially deformable compression connector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The adapter piece (1) has a supporting sleeve (2) that is arranged at an inner side of a pipe. A ferrule (3) is arranged on an outer side of the pipe. A flange (4) limits insertion length of the pipe. A flexible inner seal (5) is arranged on the outer side of the supporting sleeve. The inner seal seals the inner side of the pipe. An outer side (31) of the ferrule exhibits a suitable connection area (33) for a radial deformable press connector. The supporting sleeve, ferrule and the flange are made of plastic, metal or combination of plastic and metal. An independent claim is also included for a method for connecting the pipe ends using the adapter piece.