Articulated Pipe Coupling for Large Diameter Step Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting pipe elements with non-identical external diameters face challenges in bridging large radial steps without material deformation, leading to mechanical stress and instability in the connection.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a coupling mechanism with hollow cylindrical coupling parts and an intermediate connecting part that can pivot into a conical shape, utilizing articulation elements to form a rotary joint connection, allowing for the connection of pipe elements with significant diameter differences without material deformation, and absorbing radial and axial forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pipe elements with significantly different external diameters are connected using conventional coupling devices, then the device can accommodate diameter differences, but the bridging region is subjected to high mechanical stress and material deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional segments: a first coupling part for the first pipe element, a second coupling part for the second pipe element, and an intermediate connecting part bridging between them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the intermediate part specifically designed to handle the radial step without transmitting excessive stress to the pipe elements themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate connecting part acts as a mediator between the two coupling parts with different diameters. It absorbs the mechanical stress and material deformation that would otherwise occur in the bridging region of the pipe elements, protecting the pipe elements from damage while enabling the connection of elements with significantly different external diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device is designed to bridge large radial steps between pipe elements, then adaptability to different diameters is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connecting part is designed with rotational freedom, allowing it to pivot and deflect dynamically to accommodate the radial step between different diameter pipe elements. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to various diameter combinations without requiring multiple fixed-configuration coupling components, thereby managing structural complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed as a universal connector that can accommodate pipe elements with significantly different external diameters through a single standardized interface design. The intermediate connecting part's ability to pivot and deflect allows one device configuration to serve multiple diameter combinations, reducing the need for specialized coupling devices for each diameter pair.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the intermediate connecting part is made rigid to maintain connection stability, then coaxiality is improved, but the device cannot absorb radial forces and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connecting part is designed with controlled flexibility, allowing it to pivot and deflect in response to radial forces and misalignments. This dynamic behavior enables the device to absorb mechanical stress and radial forces while maintaining sufficient coaxiality through the rotational freedom of the intermediate part, rather than requiring a completely rigid structure that would transmit all stresses to the pipe elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for axially connecting two pipe elements, including a coupling means with a first coupling means part assignable to a first pipe element, a second coupling means part and an intermediate connecting part arrangeable between the two coupling means parts, wherein a first articulation element formed on the first or second coupling means part is configured to cooperate with a second articulation element formed on the intermediate connecting part, in particular in a positive manner, forming an articulated connection between the first or second coupling means part and the intermediate connecting part, or a second articulation element formed on the first or second coupling means part is configured to cooperate with a first articulation element formed on the intermediate connecting part, forming an articulated connection between the first or second coupling means part and the intermediate connecting part.