Elastic Pipe Socket Stop for Thermal Expansion Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe sleeve systems fail to accommodate thermal expansion in non-pressurized pipe arrangements, leading to potential damage and limitations in reusability and applicability across different fluid types, including gases in ventilation technology.

Innovation Solution

A pipe sleeve design featuring a cylindrical base body with elastic stop elements that allow for radial deformation, enabling the pipe to expand while maintaining a tight seal, and comprising a multi-component injection molding process for enhanced durability and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pipe is inserted fully into the socket to provide a tight seal, then the connection tightness is improved, but thermal expansion causes damage to the pipe assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection tightnessVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element is designed to change its function dynamically: during assembly it acts as a rigid stop limiting insertion depth, but during thermal expansion it deforms elastically to allow pipe movement. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between providing a tight seal and accommodating expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element changes its physical state from rigid (during assembly) to elastically deformable (during thermal expansion). This parameter change allows the system to maintain connection tightness while accommodating dimensional changes due to thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a water-soluble spacer is used to provide clearance for thermal expansion, then thermal expansion clearance is improved, but the system becomes ineffective for repairs and non-water fluids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidreusability and applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the disposable water-soluble spacer with a reusable elastic stop element that can be used repeatedly for both installation and repair operations with various fluid types including gases, liquids, and vapors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic stop element serves multiple functions: it limits insertion depth during assembly, provides thermal expansion clearance during operation, and can be reused for repairs. It is compatible with all fluid types including water, gases, and vapors, making the system universally applicable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pipe is pulled out to provide clearance for thermal expansion, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but the connection tightness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal expansion clearanceVSAvoidconnection tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element dynamically adjusts its position: during assembly it maintains the pipe at a specific insertion depth to ensure tight sealing, and during thermal expansion it deforms to allow the pipe to move outward, accommodating expansion while maintaining the sealing relationship.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If a support sleeve with projections is used to generate haptic signals for insertion depth control, then insertion depth control is improved, but the flow cross-section is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion depth controlVSAvoidflow cross-section
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element provides insertion depth control at a specific location (the stop surface) without restricting the overall flow cross-section. The control function is localized to the stopping mechanism while the remainder of the socket maintains full flow capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for simple assembly, repeated use, and accommodates thermal expansion without damaging the pipe arrangement, ensuring a secure connection regardless of the fluid type, including gases, by utilizing elastic stop elements that deform radially to accommodate length expansion.

Implementation Method 1

the stop element (12) is designed to be elastically deformable by the insertable tube (101). The respective stop element (12) comprises an elastic base area (13) and at least one stop area (14)... the base area (13) is radially free, so that it can deform freely radially outwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The pipe socket (1) includes an annular sealing element (11) that projects from the base body (2) into the cavity... The spigot end of the pipe is inserted into the pipe socket (1) through the insertion opening (7), penetrating the annular sealant (11). This causes the annular sealant to press against the outer circumference of the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3940281B1Pipe sleeve
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 POLOPLAST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3940281B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3940281B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3940281B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe socket (1), in particular a non-pressurized pipe assembly (100), comprising a base body (2) forming a cylindrical cavity, an annular sealing element (11) projecting from the base body (2) into the cavity, and a stop with at least one elastic stop element (12) projecting from the base body (2) into the cavity, wherein the cavity is designed for inserting a pipe (101) through the sealing element (11) until it abuts the at least one stop element (12), wherein the at least one stop element (12) limits the insertion depth of the pipe (101) in the undeformed state and does not limit the insertion depth in the elastically deformed state, and wherein the at least one stop element (12) is elastically deformable radially outwards by means of an axial load on the stop element (12).