Bendable Connecting Pipe Structure for Misaligned Pipe Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting pipes with standard designs face difficulties in installation due to the need for precise alignment of connection opening ends with spaced pipe end portions, and existing elastomer resin solutions struggle to maintain a secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting pipe with a bendable portion and rigid extensions, featuring guide recesses and thick-walled portions, allows for easy alignment and secure fitting of pipe ends through bending and elastic restoration, facilitating connection and maintaining the connected state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connecting pipe is made with standard rigid design, then connection strength is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pipe is divided into rigid portions and a bendable portion. The rigid portions maintain connection strength at the pipe ends, while the bendable portion allows deformation for alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting pipe transitions from a fully rigid structure to a dynamic structure with a bendable portion that can deform during installation and then restore to maintain connection. This allows the pipe to adapt to misaligned pipe ends while maintaining secure connections.
2Ease of operation
If a connecting pipe is made entirely of elastomer resin to enable bending, then installation ease is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the connecting pipe have different material properties. The rigid portions provide reliable, stable connections at the pipe ends, while the bendable portion provides flexibility for installation. Each portion's material property is optimized for its specific function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between connection opening end portions is increased to accommodate spaced pipe ends, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable portion allows the connecting pipe to accommodate various distances between pipe ends through deformation rather than requiring multiple pipe lengths. The same pipe structure adapts to different spacing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending angle and curvature of the bendable portion can be adjusted to match different spacing requirements between pipe ends. This parameter adjustment provides adaptability without changing the fundamental pipe structure.
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
The described connecting pipe enables easy installation and reliable maintenance of connections by utilizing its elastic restoring force and guide features, ensuring secure fitting of pipe ends even in spaced configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The bendable portion has an elastic restoring force to maintain a state where the connection opening end portions are fitted to the pipe end portions associated therewith after the state has been established.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting pipe has a connecting pipe portion having, at the opposite ends thereof, connection opening end portions. The connecting pipe has a bendable portion provided between the opposite ends of the connecting pipe portion to allow the connecting pipe portion to be bent relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting pipe portion. The connecting pipe further has rigid portions extending from the bendable portion to the connection opening end portions, respectively. The rigid portions have a higher rigidity than the bendable portion. Bending the connecting pipe portion at the bendable portion allows the connection opening end portions at the opposite ends to be fitted to associated pipe end portions, respectively. The connecting pipe portion has an elastic restoring force to maintain the state where the connection opening end portions are fitted to the associated pipe end openings, respectively.