Composite Water Pipe Fittings for Full-Bore Pipe Tang Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation fittings for domestic water supply pipe systems, particularly those made from low-end synthetic polymers, face challenges in meeting technical standards due to increased pipe tang thickness, which reduces the flow cross-section and leads to undesirable flow patterns, especially in the 16 mm to 110 mm external pipe gauge range.
Innovation Solution
The use of low-end synthetic polymer materials for the housing and high-end material sockets for the pipe tangs in installation fittings, such as compression, press, slide, and push fit systems, allows for a reduction in pipe tang thickness while maintaining compliance with technical standards, thereby avoiding flow cross-section reduction and enabling cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If low-end synthetic polymer material is used for the housing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but pipe tang thickness must be increased to meet technical standards, which reduces flow cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining low-end synthetic polymer for the housing with high-end material (metal or engineering plastic) for the pipe tang socket. This composite construction allows the housing to be cost-effective while the socket maintains structural integrity and flow characteristics, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and flow cross-section requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials for different parts of the fitting - low-end polymer for the housing where cost reduction is prioritized, and high-end material for the pipe tang socket where functional performance (flow characteristics and structural strength) is critical. This localized material selection optimizes both cost and performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If low-end synthetic polymer material is used for the housing, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but pipe tang thickness must be increased, which leads to undesirable flow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material construction with high-end material socket ensures proper flow patterns are maintained while using cost-effective low-end polymer for the housing. The high-end material socket prevents the flow disturbances that would otherwise result from increased pipe tang thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying high-end material specifically to the pipe tang socket area where flow characteristics are critical, the patent locally eliminates the harmful flow patterns while maintaining cost efficiency in the rest of the housing structure.
3Reliability
If metal or engineering plastic is used for the housing, then technical standards are met with adequate pipe tang thickness, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-end material (metal or engineering plastic) only to the pipe tang socket where it is critically needed for meeting technical standards, while using cost-effective low-end polymer for the housing. This localized approach maintains reliability and standard compliance while significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction combines the cost advantages of low-end polymer with the performance advantages of high-end material in the critical socket area, achieving both cost reduction and compliance with technical standards simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Installation fittings (50) for use in a domestic water supply pipe system of a predetermined application class. The installation fittings have a composite structure including a housing (51) manufactured from low end synthetic polymer material. The housing has at least one pipe end with a pipe tang fitted with a tubular socket (61) manufactured from high end material. Suitable high end materials include high end synthetic polymers or metals.