Chevron Projection Pipe Joint with Release Groove for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting mechanisms for thin stainless steel pipes and joints face challenges in detecting insufficient fastening, leading to water leaks during piping construction, as the manual fastening process can be unreliable, and leaks are often overlooked until pressure testing, resulting in soiled building environments.
Innovation Solution
A connecting mechanism featuring a chevron type projection on the stainless steel pipe, a joint with a male thread, a nut with a female thread, and a packing system with a release groove or projection, allowing water to leak through gaps when fastening is insufficient, enabling easy identification of leak points during pressure testing and ensuring secure sealing when properly fastened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fastening is used to connect the nut and joint, then the piping construction process is simple, but the fastening reliability is insufficient and leaks are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by creating a water leakage detection system. When the nut is not properly fastened, water leaks through the release groove and gaps between the packing and joint, providing immediate visual feedback about improper installation. This allows workers to detect and correct fastening issues during pressure testing rather than discovering them later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system using water as a medium to indicate fastening quality. The water leakage through specific gaps (between packing and joint, or between nut and joint) serves as an intermediary signal that translates the abstract concept of 'proper fastening' into a visible, detectable phenomenon during pressure testing.
2Reliability
If the packing is closely attached to prevent leakage, then the sealing performance is good, but the ability to detect insufficient fastening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing system into multiple controlled leakage paths. Instead of a single sealing interface, there are distinct gaps: one between the packing and joint, another between the nut and joint, and a release groove. Each segment serves a specific function - the packing-g joint gap allows detection of improper fastening while the packing-pipe interface maintains sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different sealing characteristics in different locations. The packing is designed to seal against the pipe while intentionally leaving controlled gaps at specific locations (packing-joint interface, nut-joint interface). This localized differentiation allows the system to maintain overall sealing performance while providing specific detection points for fastening quality.
3Measurement precision
If pressure testing is performed after piping construction, then leaks can be detected, but water leaks may still occur and soil the building environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the connection mechanism to provide early warning of potential leaks before full pressure testing reveals problems. The controlled leakage paths allow water to escape at low pressure during initial filling, indicating improper fastening before high-pressure testing begins. This preliminary detection prevents the need for extensive high-pressure testing that would create more significant leaks and contamination.
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 mechanism effectively identifies and addresses fastening failures by allowing water to leak out through specific gaps when fastening is inadequate, facilitating prompt correction and preventing leaks when properly secured, thus ensuring the integrity of the pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
a chevron type projection portion having two inclined surfaces being formed by expanding the chevron type projection portion of the thin stainless steel pipe based on a uniform force by inflating a rubber inserted to an inner portion of the chevron type projection portion in an outer peripheral direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A connecting mechanism for a thin stainless steel pipe and a joint in accordance with the present invention includes a thin stainless steel pipe in which a chevron type projection portion is formed in an outer periphery of an end portion, a joint having an inner diameter inserting the thin stainless steel pipe and forming a male thread portion in an outer peripheral surface of an end portion, a nut having a fitting portion outwardly fitted to the thin stainless steel pipe so as to oppose to the joint on the boundary of the chevron type projection portion and having a female thread portion screwed to the male thread portion of the joint, and a packing provided between the joint and the thin stainless steel pipe wherein, a release groove is formed in a packing outer peripheral contact surface from the packing pressing surface constructing the inner side surface of the packing fitting portion of the joint to an opening end portion.