Branch Pipe Coupling for Tool-Free Compressed Air Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a coupling that can easily and efficiently connect two pipe segments of compressed air piping systems, allowing for directional changes and incorporating additional inlets and outlets for measurement and gas introduction, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal without requiring tools.
Innovation Solution
The coupling features a main passageway with two branches, each internally threaded, and external threads on the ends for push-to-connect fittings, along with annular grooves for seals, enabling easy connection and directional changes, and includes a plug cap for sealing when fittings are not engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional threading methods are used for connecting pipe segments, then connection strength is improved, but installation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional zones: an externally threaded portion for secure attachment to pipe segments, and an internally threaded portion for receiving the opposite pipe end. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the external threads provide strong anchoring while the internal threads enable tool-free connection of the second pipe segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary component between two pipe segments. It features an externally threaded portion that engages with the first pipe segment, and an internally threaded portion that receives the second pipe segment. This intermediary structure enables tool-free connection while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and installation ease.
2Productivity
If push-to-connect fittings are used for easy connection, then installation time is reduced, but connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device divides the connection process into two distinct stages: first, the externally threaded portion is screwed onto the pipe segment using traditional threading (providing reliable anchoring), and second, the pipe segment with push-to-connect fitting is inserted into the internally threaded portion (enabling tool-free connection). This segmentation allows both reliability and speed to be optimized in different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The externally threaded portion is预先 prepared and attached to the coupling before the pipe segment is inserted. This preliminary action ensures a secure foundation is established, allowing the subsequent push-to-connect operation to be both fast and reliable, as the structural integrity is already secured by the pre-installed threaded portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branches are added to the coupling, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates multiple functional elements within a single component: external threading for secure attachment, internal threading for receiving pipe segments, and branch passages for fluid distribution. This multi-functionality allows the coupling to serve multiple purposes - joining pipes, directing flow, and providing mounting points - without requiring multiple separate components, thus increasing versatility while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling with a main portion extending from a first end to a second end with an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. A main passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A first branch extending outwards from the intermediate portion containing a first branch passageway in fluid communication with the main passageway, and a second branch extending outwards from the intermediate portion and opposite the first branch containing a second branch passageway in fluid communication with the main passageway. External threads are disposed on an exterior surface of the first end containing an upper partition line and a lower partition line defined as the exterior surface of the first end, containing no external threads, and extending from the first end to the intermediate portion.