Anti-Rotation Pipe Connection for Flexible Flange Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connections require precise alignment and lubrication, increasing assembly effort and limiting flexibility in orientation, especially for non-rotationally symmetrical elements, and result in irreversible seal deformation, making reuse difficult and reducing sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection design featuring an anti-rotation element that can be rotated relative to the second tubular element, allowing for flexible alignment and assembly without lubricants, using a clamping ring that maintains sealing effectiveness even after disassembly, and eliminating the need for additional seals and lubricants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If teeth are attached to tubular elements to prevent twisting, then the sealing connection is secured against twisting, but the assembly effort is increased considerably due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-twist function is segmented from the sealing function. The anti-rotation element is a separate component that can be attached to one tubular element and independently engaged with the other, allowing the sealing and anti-twist operations to be performed separately rather than requiring simultaneous precise alignment of both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation element is preliminarily attached to one tubular element before assembly. This preliminary attachment allows the anti-twist mechanism to be prepared in advance, so that during final assembly only the engagement action is needed rather than requiring precise alignment of multiple components simultaneously
2Stability of the object's composition
If teeth are used to prevent twisting, then the sealing connection is secured against twisting, but the tubular elements can only be connected in predetermined positions, limiting orientation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation element is designed with rotational freedom relative to the second tubular element. It can rotate into engagement position and then lock, allowing the tubular elements to be connected in any orientation rather than predetermined positions. The dynamic engagement process enables flexibility while maintaining final stability
3Reliability
If the seal is deformed to achieve sealing effect, then the desired sealing effect is achieved, but the gasket cannot be reused after disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the anti-twist function. The seal operates independently without being subjected to the high forces and deformations required for the anti-twist mechanism. This separation allows the seal to maintain its elastic properties and be reused after disassembly while still achieving reliable sealing
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional pipe joints are used, then connection is achieved, but lubricants must be applied before each use and reuse, increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-servicing without external lubricants. The anti-rotation element and engagement structures are designed with inherent low-friction surfaces and geometry that allows smooth assembly and disassembly without additional substances, simplifying the assembly procedure while maintaining connection capability
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pipe connection comprising a first pipe element (10), a connecting element (20), and an anti-rotation element (30), wherein the connecting element (20) is configured to tightly connect a second pipe element (40) to the first pipe element (10) via a flange (50). The anti-rotation element (30) is attachable to the second pipe element (40) and is configured to engage with the first pipe element (10) to prevent rotation of the first pipe element (10) relative to the second pipe element (40). In a first state, the anti-rotation element (30) is disengaged from the first pipe element (10) and rotatable relative to the second pipe element (40). In a second state, the anti-rotation element (30) is engaged with the first pipe element (10).In the second state, the first pipe element (10) can also be connected to the second pipe element (40) by means of the connecting element (20) via the flange (50) in such a way that the first pipe element (10) and the second pipe element (40) are secured against rotation relative to each other.