Double-Stepped Collar Press Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press connections for pipelines in hazardous or sensitive environments, such as those with explosive, flammable, or medicinal media, suffer from instability, deformation, and contamination due to uncontrolled compression and misalignment, leading to turbulence and adhesion issues.
Innovation Solution
A double-stepped collar design with radially tapering end faces and axially sloping stop surfaces, combined with curved ramps on the compression sleeves, ensures self-centering and controlled compression, minimizing deformation and maintaining tightness, while the structural design accommodates material distribution and prevents uncontrolled movement of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional compression rings and single-stepped collars are used, then the pressing process can be performed, but deformation of pipe walls and uncontrolled movement of compression rings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into two distinct steps: a first stepped collar with a radially tapering end face and a second stepped collar with a stop surface. This segmentation allows the first step to guide and center the compression sleeve during insertion, while the second step provides a precise stopping position, thereby controlling the compression process and preventing pipe wall deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially tapering end face of the first stepped collar provides a curved, self-centering surface that guides the compression sleeve into proper alignment during insertion. This curved geometry automatically centers the sleeve, preventing misalignment and reducing deformation of the pipe walls during the pressing operation.
2Strength
If compression sleeves are pressed during installation, then connection is achieved, but misalignment and uncontrolled movement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The first stepped collar with its radially tapering end face performs the preliminary action of guiding and centering the compression sleeve before the actual compression occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the sleeve is properly positioned and stabilized before pressing, preventing misalignment and uncontrolled movement during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-stepped collar design enables self-centering of the compression sleeve through its geometric features. The radially tapering end face automatically guides the sleeve into alignment, and the stop surface of the second stepped collar provides a self-limiting stop position, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or procedures.
3Force
If pressing rings are displaced during pressing, then compression is achieved, but turbulence and adhesion issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stop surface of the second stepped collar provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that limits the axial displacement of the compression sleeve. When the sleeve is pressed against the stop surface, further movement is prevented, ensuring that compression is applied within controlled limits. This feedback control prevents excessive displacement that would cause turbulence and adhesion problems in the pipe flow.
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 clean, gas-tight, and watertight connection with controlled force distribution, reducing deformation and contamination risks, suitable for high-pressure applications and easy repair, particularly in the medical, chemical, and food industries.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing process causes a self-centering effect on the pipe ends to be connected
Implementation Method 2
the curved ramps on the inner wall of the compression sleeves ensure a linear distribution of forces and a constant axial application of force as well as a harmonious, even distribution of force during the compression process
Implementation Method 3
the pressing tool does not open during the pressing process and the ferrules neither radially nor axially can move uncontrolled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The task was to develop a press-fit connection such that the pipe ends could be cleanly inserted into the fitting, the press tool would not open during the pressing process, the press sleeves would not move uncontrollably, deformations during the pressing process would be minimized, and the pressing process could be carried out in a controlled manner. The solution is characterized by the central area of the fitting's base being formed as a radially outwardly directed, double-stepped collar (4), the first step of which has radially tapered end faces (4.1.2), to which a second step with a radially perpendicular stop surface (4.2.1) adjoins, and by the fact that an outer, ramp-like rising contour (5.1) and two inner, sloping curved ramps (5.2, 5.3) are formed on the press sleeves, and a recess (5.4) is arranged in one end face at one end.