Continuous Contact Tapping Collar Prevents Pipe Ovalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch collars cause ovalization of semi-rigid pipes due to discontinuity in strapping between the saddle and flange, are costly, and difficult to install, and do not adapt well to different pipe diameters.
Innovation Solution
A branch collar design featuring a one-piece flexible element with a saddle and flange that surrounds the pipe continuously, minimizing contact discontinuity, and includes adjustable screwing means to accommodate various diameters, made from a deformable metal sheet for curvature adaptation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid saddle and flexible flange are used with discontinuous contact, then the collar can be manufactured at lower cost and easier assembly, but it causes ovalization of semi-rigid pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rigid saddle and flexible flange into a single integrated element made from a deformable metal sheet. This unified structure eliminates the discontinuity between separate components while maintaining the functional benefits of both rigid support and flexible adaptation, thereby preventing pipe ovalization without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional rigid foundry metal to a deformable metal sheet that can adapt its curvature to match the pipe surface. This parameter change allows continuous contact along the entire collar circumference, distributing pressure evenly and preventing ovalization of semi-rigid pipes
2Ease of manufacture
If foundry parts are used for bypass saddles, then manufacturing is simplified, but the cost price is high and installation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid foundry saddle into a dynamic deformable metal sheet structure that can adapt its shape and curvature to different pipe diameters. The metal sheet can be bent and formed to match various pipe sizes, providing universal adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through sheet metal fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material state from rigid foundry metal to deformable metal sheet, enabling the saddle to adapt to different pipe diameters through controlled deformation. This parameter change allows a single design to serve multiple pipe sizes without requiring multiple pre-fabricated foundry parts
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable flange length is used, then the collar can fit different pipe diameters, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the inherent deformability of the metal sheet as the adjustment parameter, allowing the collar to adapt to different pipe diameters through material deformation rather than mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The metal sheet can be bent to different curvatures to match various pipe sizes, providing multi-diameter capability without adding complex adjustment hardware
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 prevents ovalization of semi-rigid pipes, reduces installation complexity, and lowers manufacturing costs by using a single, adaptable, and cost-effective metal sheet construction that maintains continuous contact with the pipe circumference.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible flange is intended to cooperate with the saddle to encircle the pipe, without discontinuity of contact of the collar with the circumference of the pipe between the saddle and the flange
Implementation Method 2
The saddle and the flexible flange consist of a one-piece, flexible element, in the form of a strip, obtained from a sheet of metallic material
Implementation Method 3
the connection connection, tubular, according to the first alternative or even directly the valve according to the second alternative being secured to the said flange by welding or crimping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a tapping collar (1) for tapping off a fluid-carrying pipe (2), and comprising: - a saddle (3) intended to be pressed in a fluid tight manner against said pipe, via a gasket that has an opening (7) intended to be positioned facing a tapping made in said pipe, - clamping means (5, 6) for clamping the saddle onto said pipe and comprising at least one flexible clamp intended to collaborate with the saddle to encircle the pipe. According to the invention, said saddle (3) and said clamp are designed in such a way as to encircle said collar on said pipe, with no discontinuity in the contact between the collar and said saddle and the flexible clamp (5), or at the very least with only limited discontinuity in the contact (d) between the saddle (3) and the flexible clamp (5).