Deformable Blocking Ring for Thin-Walled Plastic Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for plastic pipes are prone to deformation and dislodgment when used with thin-walled pipes, as they can be easily expelled by small lateral forces, leading to a weak seal and unreliable attachment.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly utilizing a deformable blocking ring that transitions from a stretched state to a folded state, with the outer diameter increasing to securely lock the insert pipe in place, and a support plate distributing mechanical load to minimize pipe deformation, along with a conical widening and groove design for enhanced sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid blocking ring with outer diameter larger than the opening is used, then the insert pipe can be locked in the radial direction, but the pipe wall deforms significantly and the connection can be expelled by lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking ring is designed to be deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adapt its shape during installation and operation. The ring transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for locking, providing both ease of installation and reliable connection stability without requiring excessive force that would damage thin-walled pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring's outer diameter is made variable through elastic deformation. In the installed state, it expands to a diameter larger than the opening for secure locking, while during insertion it is compressed to a smaller diameter. This parameter change allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions without compromising pipe wall strength.
2Reliability
If the blocking ring outer diameter is enlarged to prevent expulsion, then connection stability improves, but insertion through the opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking ring transitions between two dynamic states: a compressed state with reduced outer diameter for easy insertion through the opening, and an expanded state with increased outer diameter for secure locking and preventing expulsion. This dynamic shape change resolves the contradiction between insertion ease and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring is preliminarily compressed to a smaller diameter before insertion to facilitate passing through the opening. After insertion, it is allowed to expand to its larger operational diameter to provide the necessary locking function. This preliminary action sequence enables both easy insertion and reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If the blocking ring is made deformable to ease insertion, then insertion ease improves, but the locking capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking ring's deformability is designed to be temporary and controlled. It deforms elastically during insertion to pass through the opening, then maintains its expanded shape for locking. The elastic material properties ensure that the deformability aids insertion while the recovered shape provides reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring undergoes controlled parameter changes in its outer diameter: compressed to a smaller value during insertion for ease of operation, then expanded to a larger value for locking capability. The elastic material enables this parameter change cycle without permanent deformation, maintaining both insertion ease and locking reliability.
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 solution provides a secure and reliable attachment for thin-walled plastic pipes, minimizing deformation and ensuring a tight seal, even under small lateral forces, making it suitable for use in thin-walled pipes and maintaining connection integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable blocking ring (25) which can assume a stretched and a folded form. At first, the blocking ring is stretched. In the stretched form, the blocking ring has an outer diameter which is preferably smaller than the diameter of the opening (5) in the plastic pipe (1). The blocking ring can then easily be inserted through the opening (5) in the plastic pipe (1).
Implementation Method 2
providing at least a portion of the insert pipe with an outer wall extending conically outward, there optionally being adjacent to a widened cylindrical portion having a diameter which is equal to the largest diameter of the conical portion. In this case, the space between the insert and the annular wall of the opening in the plastic pipe becomes smaller when the insert pipe is tightened in the opening of the plastic pipe, thus clamping the blocking ring more tightly.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
Figure 9~10
AI summary
Connection assembly (20) for the connecting of a cylindrical branch of a plastic pipe, which connection assembly comprises: - an insert pipe (21) which is to be inserted in the opening in the wall of the plastic pipe, which insert pipe has a flange (22) and is displaceable with respect to the annular wall of the opening in the pipe between a first position and a second position in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pipe, - a support ring (28) which has, when mounted, a substantially fixed position with respect to the annular wall of the opening in the plastic pipe, but which support ring is detached from the insert pipe, - a locking means (35) for the securing- of the insert pipe in the second position. The connection assembly according to the invention also has a deformable blocking ring (25), which blocking ring can assume a stretched and a folded form.