Eccentric Ring Plumbing Adapter for Misaligned Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing adapters provide limited adaptability to address misalignment between plumbing interfaces, often relying on flexible components that may not fully accommodate eccentricities, leading to potential leaks and inadequate connections.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing adapter featuring rotatable inner and outer rings with eccentric designs, supported by a base frame with securement features and gasket seals, allowing for independent movement to align with misaligned interfaces and create a liquid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible rubber or silicone components are used to bridge offset connections, then some adaptability is provided, but the adaptability is limited and cannot fully accommodate misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotatable inner and outer rings that can independently rotate about the central longitudinal axis, transforming the static flexible component into a dynamic system. This dynamic capability allows the adapter to actively accommodate misalignment between plumbing interfaces by adjusting the relative angular positions of the rings, thereby providing both adaptability and reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct segmented components: an inner ring, an outer ring, and a base frame. Each ring can rotate independently, allowing the system to handle complex misalignment scenarios that a single flexible component cannot address. The segmentation enables multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment while maintaining structural integrity and sealing reliability
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid plumbing adapters are used, then structural stability is maintained, but they cannot accommodate misalignment between interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rotational capability to what would otherwise be a rigid structure. The inner and outer rings can rotate independently about the central longitudinal axis, allowing the adapter to accommodate misalignment while the base frame and gasket seals maintain structural stability and prevent leakage during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter combines rigid structural elements (base frame, rings) with sealing elements (gasket seals, O-ring seals). This composite approach allows the rigid portions to provide structural stability while the sealing components ensure leak-proof connections even when the rings are rotated to accommodate misalignment between plumbing interfaces
3Device complexity
If a single rigid connection is used, then the structure is simple, but it provides inadequate adaptability for eccentric mounting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds rotational degrees of freedom to the adapter structure, allowing the inner and outer rings to rotate independently. This dynamic feature enables the adapter to accommodate eccentric mounting positions and misalignment without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the rotational mechanism is integrated into the ring designs
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a rigid structural connection, accommodates misalignment through rotation, and ensures leak-proof sealing. The inner and outer rings can rotate to handle various misalignment scenarios, making the adapter universally applicable to different mounting conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing adapter for use in connecting two plumbing interfaces to one another. The plumbing adapter, which is configured to move between multiple positions in order to accommodate any misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces, comprises a base frame (22) supporting an inner ring (12) and an outer ring (14), wherein the inner ring (12) inner diameter defines a first central longitudinal axis (16), wherein the outer ring (14) inner diameter defines a second central longitudinal axis (18), wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are both rotatable within the base frame such that the first central longitudinal axis (16) and the second central longitudinal axis (18) can be moved with respect to one another in order to accommodate for misalignment between the first plumbing interface and the second plumbing interface.