Branch Connection Saddle with Segmented Fixing Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tap connectors have limited flexibility in their use due to fixed drilling holes and clamp bolts, which restrict their adaptability and sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The tap connector features a support saddle with second recesses for additional fixing elements, including pressure distribution members and centering means like a centering ring and cleats, allowing for greater flexibility and improved sealing, and is made of plastic with specific recess and bolt configurations for enhanced assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed drilling holes and clamp bolts are used to attach the support saddle to the main manifold, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the flexibility and adaptability of the tap connector are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support saddle is divided into multiple attachment zones with different types of recesses (first recesses for clamp bolts, second recesses for fixing elements). This segmentation allows selective use of different attachment methods depending on the specific application requirements, thereby maintaining connection reliability while improving flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support saddle incorporates both fixed clamp bolt attachment (first recesses) and adjustable fixing element attachment (second recesses with slots). This dynamic design enables the connector to adapt between rigid and flexible attachment modes, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and flexibility of use.
2Reliability
If clamp bolts with rubber sleeves are used to ensure sealing at drilling holes, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of assembly and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the support saddle structure itself through integrally molded sealing elements positioned at the first recesses. This eliminates the need for separate rubber sleeves on clamp bolts, maintaining sealing effectiveness while reducing assembly complexity and the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support saddle is designed with self-sealing capabilities through its structural features (integrally molded sealing elements, pressure distribution surfaces). The structure automatically ensures sealing when properly assembled, without requiring additional sealing components or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support saddle is made of plastic material, then manufacturing costs are reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support saddle is made of plastic material (such as polyamide or polypropylene) which provides adequate strength for the application while enabling cost-effective manufacturing through injection molding. The plastic material is reinforced or designed with structural features (thickness variations, rib structures) to maintain necessary structural strength and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic material properties and structural parameters of the support saddle are optimized to achieve the required strength-to-cost ratio. Through parameter optimization (material selection, wall thickness, reinforcement structures), the support saddle attains sufficient structural strength while maintaining the advantages of plastic manufacturing (low cost, high productivity).
Data Source
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AI summary
The connection (18) has a socket (36) for receiving a spigot (14) of a secondary conduit (12), and a saddle support (32) supported on an external surface (6) of a main manifold (4), where the connection defines a branch central axis (Z-Z), and is made of plastic material e.g. polyamide, and cast iron. The support has a recess i.e. through hole, for receiving a fixation element (28), which co-operates with an internal surface (8) of the main manifold. The support has another recess (45) for receiving another fixation element, which fixes a clamping handle of the support on the main manifold. An independent claim is also included for a branch assembly comprising a pressure distribution unit.