Clamped Pipe Joint Sealing for Twist-Free Angular Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connections require additional support devices and guide devices to prevent twisting of connected pipes and ensure proper alignment, and there is a need for complementary geometries to avoid confusion during installation, while maintaining sealing and operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A pipe connection design featuring a first and second pipe part with a multi-part or single-part sealing ring enclosed by a clamping device, utilizing wedge-shaped or rectangular cross-section seals that allow for radial displacement and angular compensation, ensuring secure sealing and alignment without additional rotational positioning requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional support devices and guide devices are used to prevent twisting and ensure alignment, then the reliability and alignment precision improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the alignment function and the sealing function into a single integrated sealing ring structure. The sealing ring includes alignment features (such as radial protrusions or guide surfaces) that automatically guide pipe parts into correct alignment during assembly, while simultaneously providing sealing contact surfaces. This eliminates the need for separate support devices and guide devices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining alignment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring is designed to perform multiple functions automatically during assembly: it provides sealing, guides alignment, and prevents twisting through its geometric features. The alignment features on the sealing ring self-adjust during insertion to ensure proper orientation of pipe parts, eliminating the need for external guide devices or manual positioning assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complementary geometries are required to avoid confusion during installation, then the manufacturing precision and reliability improve, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation reliabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring incorporates asymmetric geometric features such as radial protrusions, non-circular cross-sections, or asymmetric sealing surfaces that create a unique orientation. These asymmetric features allow the sealing ring and pipe parts to be assembled in only one correct rotational position, preventing incorrect installation while maintaining ease of operation through automatic self-alignment during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional sealing rings are used without radial displacement capability, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to angular deviations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing precisionVSAvoidangular compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to angular deviations between pipe parts. The sealing contact surfaces are configured to enable radial displacement of the sealing ring relative to the pipe axis when angular misalignment occurs. This dynamic adaptation maintains effective sealing contact despite manufacturing tolerances or installation variations, combining manufacturing precision with angular compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design provides secure sealing under harsh conditions, allows for the use of sensitive materials, reduces component complexity, and compensates for angular deviations during assembly, ensuring stress-free and reliable pipe connections.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping device applies an outwardly acting radial force to the at least one single-part sealing ring or the at least one multi-part sealing ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The one-piece sealing ring or the multi-piece sealing ring is provided with a wedge-shaped cross-section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Implementation Method 3

allows for radial displacement and angular compensation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial displacement: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4115107B1Pipe connection
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 PFW AEROSPACE
  • EP4115107B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4115107B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4115107B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe connection (10, 52, 66) comprising a first pipe part (12) and a second pipe part (14), at least one multi-part sealing ring (24; 44, 46) or at least one single-part sealing ring (68) which is enclosed by a clamping device (16). The pipe parts (12, 14) each comprise a first obliquely or vertically extending end face (20, 72) or a second obliquely or vertically extending end face (22, 74). A clamping device (16) engages over said end faces. Said clamping device acts on the at least one single-part sealing ring (68) or the at least one multi-part sealing ring (24; 44, 46) with an outwardly acting radial force (34). Said rings are secured in their relevant sealing position by means of an enclosing geometric triangle, by means of an enclosing geometric non-rectangular quadrilateral (104) or by means of an enclosing geometric rectangular quadrilateral (106).