Bell Joint Injection for Corrugated Pipe Sealing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of bell joints in corrugated pipes is hindered by deformation of ribbings and plastic memory in polyolefins, leading to incomplete seals due to incorrect gasket insertion and manual difficulties, especially in high diameters, where dirt accumulation and manual effort are significant issues.

Innovation Solution

The method involves producing an external sleeve by injection that adheres to and welds with the pipe, containing a circumferential gasket seat on its inner surface, allowing for stable bell joint formation without deformed ribbings, with the gasket inserted during the process using a shared mould to simplify and expedite the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If hot plastic deformation is used to form the bell, then the pipe can be shaped with an external sleeve, but the ribbings deform and plastic memory causes the material to return towards the original position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebell shapeVSAvoidribbings deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by pre-forming the bell shape and pre-installing the gasket during the injection molding process, before final assembly. This prevents subsequent deformation issues and ensures proper gasket positioning while the material is still pliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the temperature and pressure parameters during injection molding to control the plastic deformation process. By optimizing these parameters, the bell is formed with minimal ribbings deformation and the plastic memory effect is managed through controlled cooling rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a gasket ring is added in the external sleeve seat, then sealing is improved, but manual insertion is difficult and requires considerable effort especially for high diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesealingVSAvoidgasket insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The injection molding machine performs the gasket installation automatically as part of the bell formation process. The system serves itself by integrating the gasket placement operation into the existing molding cycle, eliminating the need for separate manual installation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the bell formation and gasket installation into a single integrated process. Both operations are performed simultaneously during injection molding, combining what were previously separate manual operations into one automated process step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gasket is inserted manually, then flexibility is maintained, but dirt accumulation in the gasket spaces hinders the operation and may cause incorrect insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical insertion process with an automated injection system. This substitution eliminates the problems of dirt accumulation and incorrect insertion by using a controlled, clean environment during the molding process, while still maintaining flexibility through programmable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the external sleeve is formed by injection during the forming process, then the bell shape remains stable and ribbings do not deform, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebell shape stabilityVSAvoidinjection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection molding apparatus performs multiple functions: forming the bell shape, creating the external sleeve, and installing the gasket all in one operation. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate processes and manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method ensures a dimensionally stable bell joint with improved sealing and reduced manual effort, allowing for efficient production of corrugated pipes with enhanced sealing performance and reduced material deformation, facilitating the use of various rubber materials for optimal sealing.

Implementation Method 1

the external sleeve of the joint is produced by means of injection during the process of forming, in such a way that it can adhere to and weld with the corresponding axial edge of the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Implementation Method 2

adhere to and weld with the corresponding axial edge of the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

insertion by injection in its seat of the sleeve and already in work position the sealing gasket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection:

Implementation Method 4

providing a method for producing a bell joint for corrugated pipes, including a seal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP2505331B1Method of production of a joint for corrugated pipes in plastic material with annexed sealing gasket
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 IPM
  • EP2505331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2505331B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system of production of a joint of the bell type for corrugated pipes in plastic material, preferably in polyolefins, comprising in a first working phase an appropriate processing of an axial end of normal pipe; in a second phase the injection by means of plastic material, at said end, of the external joint part shaped with a sleeve, mainly of cylindrical shape on its inner surface, of appropriate diameter but in any case greater than the outside one of the coupled pipe; moreover, it being possible to weld said sleeve at the time of injection, on the circumference of the processed end of the pipe, as above, and being coaxial thereto; an annular seat, designed to contain the sealing gasket of the joint, being moreover formed, in the operation of injection, in an appropriate position of the inner surface of the sleeve, as above; said system then comprising in a third phase the injection of the same sealing gasket, made in a suitable elastic material and in an appropriate shape, directly in the aforesaid seat of the sleeve, and placed already in a work position.