Double-Walled Pipe Fitting for Dissimilar Outer Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection technologies face challenges in connecting pipes with the same inner diameter but different outer diameters, leading to difficulties in achieving a leak-proof and cost-effective joint, especially in construction sites where diameter differences are significant.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled pipe connection piece with a constant inner diameter and varying outer diameters at both ends, designed to be manufactured from commercially available components, using a one-piece bell and closing ring configuration, which can be adapted with fillers and intermediate rings to bridge diameter differences, ensuring reliable tightness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe connection piece is used to connect pipes with the same inner diameter but different outer diameters, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for double-walled structure with varying outer diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection piece is divided into an inner tube and an outer tube with different outer diameters, allowing each tube to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a constant inner diameter for reliable fluid flow and connection tightness
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, creating a double-walled structure where the inner tube has a constant outer diameter matching one pipe while the outer tube has a larger outer diameter matching the other pipe, enabling connection of pipes with different outer diameters while maintaining connection reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If commercially available pipe collars are used to bridge diameter differences, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to leakage risks with large diameter offsets
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection piece acts as an intermediary component with a double-walled structure that bridges the diameter difference between pipes. The inner tube maintains constant inner diameter for fluid flow while the outer tube adapts to the larger outer diameter, eliminating leakage risks associated with conventional pipe collars
3Reliability
If welding or gluing is used to ensure tightness of the ring connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional work and equipment costs on construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe connection piece is designed to enable self-service connection through its double-walled structure with different outer diameters. The inner and outer tubes are configured to automatically align and connect to pipes of different diameters without requiring additional welding or gluing operations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining joint tightness
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The fitting (1) has two ends exhibiting different outer diameters, where inner and outer pipes (2, 3) exhibit same nominal diameter and same internal diameter. A gap between the inner pipe and the outer pipe is filled with a filler i.e. foam, where the outer pipe and an annular sealing ring (4) are designed as a common component. The sealing ring sticks together with the inner pipe, where the fitting is made of plastic. A front end of the inner pipe is designed as a socket end or a spigot end of a pipeline section, where internal diameter of the fitting is determined through the inner pipe. An independent claim is also included for a pipe connection comprising a pipeline.