Articulated Pipe Coupling for Large Diameter Step Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting tubular elements with unequal outer diameters face challenges in achieving mechanical stability while bridging large radial steps without material deformation, particularly in pipeline construction where significant diameter variations are common.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a first and second hollow-cylindrical coupling device part and an intermediate cone-shaped connection part, equipped with joint elements that form an articulated connection, allowing for pivoting and absorption of radial forces, thereby enabling stable connection of tubular elements with different diameters without material deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid direct connection is used between tubular elements of different diameters, then structural simplicity is maintained, but material deformation occurs in the bridging area and mechanical stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple segments: a first coupling device part for the first tubular element, a second coupling device part for the second tubular element, and an intermediate connection part bridging them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, with the intermediate part specifically designed to handle the radial step without deforming the tubular elements, thus achieving mechanical stability while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate connection part acts as an intermediary element between the two coupling device parts. It is specifically designed to bridge the radial step between tubular elements of different diameters, absorbing the dimensional difference and preventing direct stress transmission that would cause material deformation, thereby ensuring mechanical stability without requiring a complex overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device is designed to bridge large radial steps, then adaptability to different tube diameters is improved, but the bridging area becomes mechanically stressed and prone to material deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate connection part is specifically designed with local quality tailored to bridge radial steps. Its geometry and material properties are optimized for this specific function of accommodating diameter differences, while the coupling device parts maintain their strength for connecting to the tubular elements. This localized optimization allows high adaptability without compromising the overall strength of the connection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates articulated connections with joint elements that allow pivoting movement. This dynamic capability enables the intermediate connection part to accommodate radial steps and absorb transverse forces through controlled movement rather than rigid stress transmission, maintaining strength while achieving adaptability to different tube diameters
3Ease of operation
If an articulated connection with joint elements is implemented, then flexibility and ability to absorb radial forces are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connection is segmented into discrete joint elements positioned at specific locations on the coupling device parts and intermediate connection part. Rather than a continuously complex mechanism, the connection is divided into localized pivot points that provide flexibility where needed while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The joint elements serve as intermediary components that enable articulated movement between the coupling device parts and the intermediate connection part. These discrete intermediary elements provide the necessary flexibility and force-absorption capability without requiring a complex overall mechanism, as each joint element independently handles specific movement and force transmission functions
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for axially connecting two pipe elements (2, 3), comprising: – a coupling device (4) with a first coupling device part (5) assignable to a first pipe element (2), with a second coupling device part (6), and with an intermediate connecting part (7) arrangeable between the two coupling device parts (5, 6), wherein a first joint element (9) formed on the first or second coupling device part (5, 6) is designed to interact, in particular in positively locking fashion, with a second joint element (12) formed on the intermediate connecting part (7), so as to form an articulated connection between the first or second coupling device part (5, 6) and the intermediate connecting part (7), or a second joint element (12) formed on the first or second coupling device part (5, 6) is designed to interact, in particular in positively locking fashion, with a first joint element (9) formed on the intermediate connecting part (7), so as to form an articulated connection between the first or second coupling device part (5, 6) and the intermediate connecting part (7).