Corrugated Pipe Clamp Assembly for Watertight Pressure Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting pipes and accessories for pressurized fluids are costly and not adaptable for use with economical pipes like HDPE or corrugated PVC, which lack suitable mechanical connections for watertight seals.
Innovation Solution
A tubular clamp with corrugated inner profiles and elastic pressure seals that span the contour of pipe overlaps, allowing for watertight connections of various pipe types, including HDPE and PVC, by machining existing pipes or using factory-implemented profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized pipes and accessories are used for pressurized fluids, then water-tight connections are achieved, but material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device is designed to universally connect different pipe types (smooth, corrugated, HDPE, PVC) and accessories (elbows, reducers, tees) that were previously incompatible with mechanical connections. The universal design allows economical pipes to be used while achieving pressurized fluid connections, resolving the contradiction between material cost and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device between economical pipes and the requirement for pressurized fluid transport. It provides the necessary sealing and mechanical connection capability without requiring the pipes themselves to be specialized, thus reducing material costs while maintaining water-tight connections
2Reliability
If thermofusion processes are used for joining pipes, then water-tight seals are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex thermofusion processes (electrofusion, butt fusion) with a simple mechanical clamping system. The clamp with corrugated profiles and elastic seals provides water-tight connections through mechanical action alone, eliminating the need for heating equipment, specialized tools, and lengthy processing times
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into two half-clamps that can be independently positioned and tightened around the pipe. This segmentation allows for easier installation and adjustment compared to monolithic joining methods, reducing installation complexity while maintaining seal integrity
3Strength
If clamp spans the contour of overlaps, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features corrugated inner profiles that match the curvature of pipe overlaps and elastic seals that conform to cylindrical pipe surfaces. These curved, flexible elements naturally span the contour of overlaps, distributing clamping force evenly and achieving strong connections without complex rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design utilizes elastic materials that change shape and density under compression. The elastic seals deform to fill gaps and conform to surface irregularities, while the corrugated profiles adjust their geometry under load to optimize contact pressure, achieving strong connections through material property changes rather than structural complexity
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
Enables economical, watertight connections of pipes and accessories, capable of withstanding fluid pressures, while reducing material costs and simplifying assembly through a single profile configuration and integrated compressing material for dual functionality of sealing and connection.
Implementation Method 1
pressure seals (9) disposed on the first overlap (6) and on the second overlap (8), wherein said clamp (4) is divided into half-clamps (45) that together span the contour of the pipes (2) or accessories (3) to connect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~8
AI summary
Device (1) for the water-tight connection of pipes (2) and accessories (3) for said pipes, comprising a tubular clamp (4) with overlaps (6, 8) with the pipes (2) or accessories (3) to connect, said clamp (4) comprising: - a first portion (41) with a first corrugated inner profile (42) complementary to a first end outer profile (5) made on a first pipe (2) or first accessory (3) to connect thereon by means of a first outer overlap (6), - a second portion (43) with a second corrugated inner profile (44) complementary to a second end outer profile (7) disposed on a second pipe (2) or second accessory (3) to connect thereon by means of a second outer overlap (8), - pressure seals (9) disposed on the first overlap (6) and on the second overlap (8), and - said clamp (4) being divided into half-clamps (45) that together span the contour of the pipes (2) or accessories (3) to connect, said half-clamps (45) comprising perimetric mutual tightening means.