Branch Pipe Fitting for Buried Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adding a branch pipe to an existing pipe are time-consuming and prone to leakage, especially when the pipe is buried or located in a wall or floor recess, requiring significant damage to access the entire surface for installation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a pipe engagement portion, a branch engagement portion, and a passageway for fluid communication, featuring a first and second attachment mechanism, allowing attachment to a partially exposed pipe with minimal damage, using a resilient snap-fit mechanism and sealing to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to add a branch pipe (inserting blockages and removing pipe sections), then the branch can be connected to the existing pipe, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a pipe engagement portion that attaches to the existing pipe, a branch engagement portion that receives the branch pipe, and a passageway that provides fluid communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation without requiring complete pipe removal
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus nests within the existing pipe structure, with the pipe engagement portion fitting around the external circumference of the existing pipe. The passageway extends through the pipe wall, and the branch engagement portion receives the branch pipe end, creating a nested configuration that avoids extensive pipe removal while maintaining structural integrity and preventing leakage
2Reliability
If the entire surface of the pipe must be accessed for installation, then the apparatus can be properly attached, but significant damage occurs to surrounding structures when the pipe is buried or in recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus concentrates its attachment function to a localized area around the hole in the existing pipe. The pipe engagement portion is designed to engage only the portion of the pipe surface necessary for secure attachment, rather than requiring access to the entire pipe circumference. This localized engagement minimizes damage to surrounding structures while maintaining sufficient attachment security
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from requiring two-dimensional access to the entire pipe surface to achieving secure attachment through three-dimensional engagement. The pipe engagement portion wraps around the pipe externally, the passageway penetrates through the pipe wall, and the branch engagement portion receives the branch pipe, creating a multi-dimensional attachment system that secures the apparatus with minimal surface access
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pipe is buried or located in a wall recess, then the existing plumbing structure is preserved, but access for installing a branch becomes significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be pre-assembled with the passageway already formed through the pipe wall before installation. A hole is cut in the existing pipe, and the apparatus engages with the surface around the hole, with the passageway providing immediate fluid communication. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site modifications and simplifies the installation process while preserving the existing plumbing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus acts as an intermediary device that bridges the existing pipe and the new branch pipe. Rather than requiring direct access to the entire pipe surface or disassembling the existing plumbing structure, the apparatus provides a mediating connection point where the passageway extends through the pipe wall to enable branch connection while maintaining the integrity of the buried or recessed pipe
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
Enables the attachment of a branch pipe to an existing pipe with minimal environmental disruption, reducing leakage and damage by providing a secure and leak-free connection, even when the pipe is buried or in a recess.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe engagement portion is resilient. In this embodiment, the pipe engagement portion may define a curved engagement surface for engaging the surface of the existing pipe. In this embodiment, the engagement surface may have a radius less than the radius of the external surface of the existing pipe. In this embodiment, the resilient nature of the pipe engagement portion and the pipe engagement portion having a radius less than the radius of the external surface of the existing pipe, permits pipe engagement portion to snap fit around the existing pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (10) for attaching a branch pipe (40) to an existing pipe (50) is described. The apparatus (10) comprises a pipe engagement portion (12) adapted to engage the surface of an existing pipe (50), a branch engagement portion (14) adapted to receive an end of a branch pipe (40) to be connected to the existing pipe (5), a passageway (16) providing fluid communication between the pipe engagement portion (12) and the branch engagement portion (4) and a first attachment mechanism (20) for attaching the apparatus (10) to an existing pipe (50). The first attachment mechanism (20) is provided adjacent the passageway (16).