Clamping Ring Manufacturing Using Extruded Pipe Memory Properties

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for forming clamping rings for pipe connections using plastic materials with memory properties are either complex or lack effective retention mechanisms, particularly in ensuring correct positioning and sealing pressure.

Innovation Solution

A method involving extruding a pipe with an initially smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter, cutting it to form a pipe part, and partially enlarging the inner diameter to create a stop edge and chamfer, facilitating easy and secure clamping ring formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the clamping ring is made from an extruded pipe by cutting, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the inner diameter must be reduced afterwards to ensure correct positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoidadditional processing step
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner diameter of the extruded pipe is reduced during the extrusion process itself, before the pipe is cut into clamping rings. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent inner diameter reduction steps, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while ensuring correct positioning of the clamping ring on the pipe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the clamping ring is made by injection molding, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but the manufacturing process is more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidmolding equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the extrusion process with the inner diameter reduction process into a single integrated operation. The extruded pipe is reduced in inner diameter while still in the extrusion line, merging two operations into one and avoiding the need for separate injection molding equipment while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the inner diameter of the pipe part is enlarged over the full length, then the pipe part can be easily positioned, but the stop edge cannot be formed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepositioningVSAvoidstop edge formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inner diameter of the pipe part is enlarged only over part of its length, not the full length. This local quality approach creates a distinct stop edge at one end while maintaining the enlarged diameter section for easy positioning. The selective enlargement provides both positioning ease and stop edge formation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a fast, simple, and effective method for manufacturing clamping rings that ensure correct positioning and enhanced sealing pressure during pipe connections, leveraging the memory properties of the plastic material for secure retention.

Implementation Method 1

one end of a pipe made of a plastic material with memory properties The memory properties mean that plastic pipes with a memory capacity automatically strive to return essentially to their original shape and form after having been expanded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMemory properties: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

extruding a pipe from a plastic material having memory properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP2222999B1Method of forming a clamping ring and a clamping ring
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 UPONOR INNOVATION AB
  • EP2222999B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

For forming a clamping ring (6) first the pipe is extruded. The extruded pipe is cut to form a pipe part. While extruding the pipe, its inner diameter is formed smaller than the outer diameter of a pipe (1) onto which the clamping ring is positioned before making a pipe connection. The inner diameter of the pipe part is made larger by removing material from the inside of the pipe part but only over part of the length of the pipe part such that a stop edge (7) is formed. The clamping ring is used on a pipe when making a pipe connection.