Corrugated Pipe Lateral Connector With Full-Circumference Compressive Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral connectors for corrugated pipes in underground water systems are cumbersome to install, provide insufficient sealing, and require a large number of sizes to accommodate varying pipe diameters.
Innovation Solution
A hub and sleeve assembly for corrugated pipes that forms a compressive seal around the entire circumference, accommodating pipes with varying thicknesses through pipe stop features and a region of increased thickness in the sleeve, ensuring secure and sealed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lateral connectors are used for corrugated pipes, then connections can be formed, but the connectors are cumbersome to install and provide insufficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a compressible material that changes its physical parameters under compression, transforming from a loose fit to a tight seal. The material's density and rigidity increase when compressed between the pipe wall and the sealing surface, creating an effective seal without complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
A compressible sealing material acts as an intermediary between the rigid connector body and the corrugated pipe wall. This intermediate layer accommodates surface irregularities and creates a reliable seal through compression, simplifying the installation process while ensuring sealing effectiveness
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of lateral connectors are stocked to accommodate varying pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with adjustable components and compliant sealing elements that allow a single connector design to accommodate multiple pipe diameters. The structure can be adjusted or deformed to fit different pipe sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable arms or flexible sealing components that can change their configuration to match different pipe diameters. This dynamic adaptability allows one connector design to serve multiple pipe sizes without requiring precise pre-matching
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for corrugated pipes with varying wall thicknesses, then connections can be formed, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing interface uses a flexible, compressible material that can deform to accommodate variations in pipe wall thickness. This flexible sealing element maintains consistent contact pressure across the sealing surface regardless of the underlying pipe geometry, ensuring reliable sealing for pipes with varying wall thicknesses
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 assembly provides a secure, sealed connection that reduces fluid leaks and accommodates pipes with varying thicknesses, enhancing installation efficiency and sealing effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a compressive seal is formed between the hub and the inner pipe wall such that the hub is sealingly engaged with the inner pipe wall around an entire circumference of the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe junction includes a corrugated pipe including a pipe wall having an inner pipe wall and an outer pipe wall, the outer pipe wall having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys disposed between the plurality of peaks, and an opening through the pipe wall. The corrugated pipe junction includes a hub and sleeve assembly received within the opening of the pipe wall, the hub and sleeve assembly including a hub received within the sleeve. When the hub and sleeve assembly is received within the opening of the pipe wall, a compressive seal is formed between the hub and sleeve assembly and the inner pipe wall such that the hub and sleeve assembly is sealingly engaged with the inner pipe wall around an entire circumference of the hub and sleeve assembly.