Elastic Slip Ring for Pipe Connection Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connecting devices for sewer pipe systems require high deployment effort due to rigid shapes that only align precisely in specific rotational positions, leading to installation challenges and leakage risks, especially with varying pipe cross-sectional shapes and radii.

Innovation Solution

A connecting piece with an elastically deformable slip ring that nests against the main pipe's contour, supported by a circumferential structure to transmit forces and compensate for shape changes, allowing universal use regardless of pipe shape or size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rigid shape of the connecting piece is used to ensure precise contact with the main pipe, then contact accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different pipe shapes and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different pipe shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The front end area of the connecting piece is designed as an elastically deformable slip ring that can dynamically adapt its shape during insertion. The slip ring deforms elastically to match the contour of the main pipe's inner wall, enabling precise contact while accommodating various pipe shapes and sizes. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between rigid precision and flexible adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slip ring's physical parameters (shape, diameter, contour) are changed through elastic deformation to match the main pipe's characteristics. By allowing the slip ring to change its geometric parameters during insertion, the system achieves both precise contact and adaptability to different pipe configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid shape of the connecting piece is used to ensure structural stability, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting piece is segmented into two distinct parts: a rigid rear section that provides structural stability and strength, and a deformable front slip ring that provides ease of installation. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slip ring's ability to deform dynamically during insertion eliminates the need for precise rotational alignment, significantly reducing installation effort. Once inserted, the slip ring maintains contact with the main pipe wall, ensuring proper positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the diameter of the slip ring is increased to ensure contact with larger pipes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal usabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The slip ring is designed as a flexible, thin-walled elastic structure that can be manufactured in a standardized diameter range. Its flexibility allows it to expand and deform to contact pipes of various sizes without requiring custom manufacturing for each diameter, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving universal usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Ensures accurate and easy assembly with reliable contact, reducing the need for multiple connection piece designs and minimizing leakage risks, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various pipe thicknesses.

Implementation Method 1

the front end area of the connecting piece has an elastically deformable slip ring which, under tension, nestles against the contour of the inner edge area of the associated wall recess of the main pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

whose diameter, which is effective for support on the inside of the main pipe, is greater than the diameter of the associated wall recess of the main pipe and is locally separated from the rear, rigid section of the connecting piece by a circumferential supporting structure that has a variable structure to compensate for the axial change in shape of the slip-on ring effected during a clinging process and that transmits at least tensile forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2354619B1Device for connecting a main pipe with a side pipe
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 FELBER WINFRIED
  • EP2354619B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2354619B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2354619B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In a device for connecting a main pipe (1) of a pipe system, in particular a sewer pipe system, to a connecting side pipe (2) with a connecting piece (5) that can be inserted into a wall recess (4) of the main pipe (1), and which can be supported with its front end region on the inside of the main pipe (1) and thus clamped by means of a clamping force applied to a rearward rigid section of the connecting piece (5) projecting from the main pipe (1), universal applicability as well as simple assembly and high positioning accuracy of the front end region of the connecting piece (5) on the inside of the main pipe (1) can be achieved by the fact that the front end region of the connecting piece (5) has an elastically deformable squeegee (8) that conforms to the contour of the inner edge region of the associated wall recess of the main pipe (1) under tension.the diameter of which, for support on the inside of the main tube (1), can be increased beyond the diameter of the associated wall recess (4) of the main tube (1), and which is locally separated from the rear, rigid section of the connecting piece (5) by a circumferential supporting structure (11) having a shape-variable structure corresponding to compensate for the axial deformation of the sizing ring (8) effected during a sizing process and which transmits at least tensile forces, and is thereby connected to the rigid section of the connecting piece (5).