Elastically Deformable Ring for One-Handed Pipe Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting pipes to tubular bodies are complex and require both hands for mounting, lacking efficient axial locking and anchoring mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece ring with two rigid sectors hinged by an elastically deformable annular portion, featuring anchoring studs with circumferential grooves for secure engagement with pipe housings, allowing for easy mounting with one hand and enhanced axial locking under fluid pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fastening rings are used, then axial locking is achieved, but mounting requires two hands and is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting operationVSAvoidfastening ring structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening ring is divided into two rigid sectors connected by an elastically deformable annular portion, allowing the ring to be opened and mounted with one hand while maintaining structural integrity and locking capability when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular portion is made elastically deformable, enabling the ring to dynamically change shape during mounting (opening) and operation (closed), facilitating easy installation while maintaining secure axial locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If anchoring studs are added to improve axial locking, then connection reliability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial lockingVSAvoidring structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring studs are integrated directly into the rigid sectors of the fastening ring, combining the locking function with the ring structure itself rather than adding separate components, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If grooves are added to anchoring studs for better anchoring, then connection strength increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidring manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves in the anchoring studs are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow the pipe wall to penetrate and deform the stud material under fluid pressure, creating a mechanical interlock that enhances anchoring strength while remaining manufacturable through standard processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates simple, one-handed mounting and ensures secure, leak-tight connections by allowing the pipe wall to penetrate the grooves under fluid pressure, providing robust anchoring and reducing the risk of accidental detachment.

Implementation Method 1

two rigid sectors which are hinged to one another by at least one elastically deformable annular portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

under the pressure of the fluid flowing in the pipe, the wall of the pipe will penetrate inside the grooves of the studs thus ensuring locking of the studs in the housings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3102865B1Ring for fastening a pipe to a tubular body and connection means comprising such a ring
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING FRANCE SAS
  • EP3102865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3102865B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a ring (4) for fastening a pipe (1) to a tubular body (2). According to the invention, the ring comprises two rigid sectors (5) that are coupled to each other by at least one elastically deformable annular portion (12), the two sectors and the portion being a single part, each sector (5) having an inner face (6), protruding from which at least one anchoring stud (7) extends radially, intended to be received in a housing correspondingly provided in a wall of the pipe, each anchoring stud (7) comprising two grooves (9) extending circumferentially to either side of said anchoring stud. The invention also concerns connection means comprising such a ring.