Elastic Pipe Connector Structure for Fast Detachable Frame Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connecting pipe structures for detachable frames, such as pool frames, face difficulties in efficient mounting due to protruding pins and risk of rust, leading to user experience issues and corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A connecting member with a connecting body and elastic arm, featuring a locking projection and interference fit, which allows for quick and secure connection between pipes without excessive through holes, reducing corrosion risks and improving appearance and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pins are used to connect pipes in the connecting pipe structure, then the pipes can be connected to each other, but the mounting becomes difficult and inefficient, and pins may protrude out affecting user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting efficiencyVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into distinct functional parts: a connecting body for insertion into the first pipe, an elastic arm providing flexible connection, and a locking projection for securing to the second pipe. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick mounting without complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm provides dynamic flexibility to the connection structure, allowing it to adapt to slight misalignments and movements while maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic property simplifies the mounting process by eliminating the need for precise alignment that rigid pin connections would require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If through holes are arranged on pipes for pin connection, then pipes can be connected, but excessive through holes increase corrosion risk and affect appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful effect of excessive through holes is eliminated by extracting the connection function to a separate connecting member. The connecting member inserts into the first pipe through a single through hole and extends to connect to the second pipe, reducing the number of holes needed from multiple to just one or two, thereby minimizing corrosion risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member acts as an intermediary component that bridges the two pipes without requiring multiple through holes in the pipes themselves. It inserts through minimal holes and provides the connection function, protecting the pipes from the harmful effects of excessive holes while maintaining connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional pin connection is used, then pipes can be connected, but the connection process is time-consuming and mounting efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmounting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting body is pre-formed with the elastic arm and locking projection integrated, so that when inserted into the first pipe, the elastic arm automatically positions itself and the locking projection is ready to engage with the second pipe. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for step-by-step assembly during mounting, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic arm provides self-aligning and self-locking functionality. When the connecting member is inserted, the elastic arm naturally flexes to accommodate the connection and the locking projection automatically engages with the second pipe's through hole, creating a secure connection without requiring additional fastening operations or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables quick and efficient connection of pipes, reduces mounting difficulty, and minimizes corrosion by eliminating exposed holes, resulting in a more compact and attractive pipe structure.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic arm is provided with a locking projection... the locking projection is configured to be engaged with the first through hole and the second through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connecting body is arranged in the first connecting pipe and in interference fit with the first connecting pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4484676A1Connecting member, connecting pipe structure and detachable frame
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 DONGGUAN POLYFILM PLASTIC CO LTD
  • EP4484676A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484676A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484676A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a connecting member, a connecting pipe structure and a detachable frame. The connecting member for connecting a first connecting pipe with a second connecting pipe includes: a connecting body and an elastic arm. The connecting body is configured to be arranged in the first connecting pipe and in interference fit with the first connecting pipe. The elastic arm is connected to the connecting body and provided with a locking projection. The first connecting pipe is provided with a first through hole, the second connecting pipe is provided with a second through hole, and the locking projection is configured to be engaged with the first through hole and the second through hole.