Corrugated Steel Pipe Connector Assembly for Multi-Diameter Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector systems for corrugated steel pipes are limited to connecting pipes of specific nominal diameters, typically up to DN25, and lack a method for connecting pipes with larger diameters, as well as versatility in accommodating different pipe types and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a connector body with adaptable openings and a reduction element, along with gasket elements, allows for the connection of pipes with smaller diameters by creating a reduced passage hole, enabling the use of a single connector type for various diameters and configurations, such as TEE, elbow, and couplings, through a threaded nut mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flange is provided on the end of the pipe by compressing two corrugations to create a flat surface, then a hydraulic seal can be achieved with a flat gasket, but this method is limited to small nominal diameters (up to DN25) and cannot be applied to larger diameter pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: a connector body with opening, a reduction element with raised portion, and a threaded nut. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the system to accommodate various pipe diameters through the reduction element's ability to create a localized flat surface on the pipe end without requiring the entire pipe end to be flattened like a traditional flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction element is inserted into the opening of the connector body, and the pipe is then inserted through the reduction element. This nested arrangement allows the reduction element to serve as an interface between the connector body and the pipe, creating a flat surface on the pipe end by compressing corrugations within the confined space of the reduction element, thereby enabling flange-like sealing on large diameter pipes that would otherwise be difficult to manufacture.
2Reliability
If different connection systems are used for different pipe diameters, then each system can be optimized for its specific size, but the overall system complexity increases and versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed as a universal system where the connector body, reduction element, and threaded nut can be used together to connect pipes of various diameters. The reduction element comes in different sizes to match different pipe diameters, but all use the same connector body and fastening mechanism, thereby reducing the number of different connector types needed while maintaining connection reliability across various pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different pipe diameters by changing the parameters of the reduction element (specifically its size and the dimensions of its raised portion) while maintaining the same basic connector body design. This parameter adjustment allows a single connector body design to serve multiple pipe sizes, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimized connections for each specific diameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reduction element is used to create a flat surface on the pipe end by compressing corrugations, then pipes of any diameter can be connected, but the structural integrity of the pipe may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction element is designed to compress and flatten the corrugations of the pipe end in advance, creating a flat surface for the gasket seal before the final tightening of the threaded nut. This preliminary action ensures that the flat surface is created under controlled conditions, and the subsequent tightening of the nut secures this flattened section, distributing the stress and maintaining structural integrity at the connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction element applies compression only to a localized portion of the pipe end (the corrugations at the very end) to create the flat sealing surface, while the rest of the pipe maintains its original corrugated structure and structural integrity. The raised portion of the reduction element is specifically shaped to flatten only the necessary area for sealing, thereby minimizing the impact on overall pipe strength while enabling connection of pipes of any diameter.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector (1) for corrugated steel pipes, which comprises a connector body (2) which is provided with at least two openings (2a, 2b), and at least one reduction element (5) which is adapted to be coupled to at least one of the openings (2a, 2b) of the connector body (2), the reduction element (5) being adapted to define an inlet diameter for a pipe that is smaller than the diameter of the openings of the connector body (2).