Thermoplastic Elastomer Sealing Ring for Plastic Pipeline Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pipeline construction, connecting plastic and metal components that cannot be welded or glued together poses challenges due to different shrinkage behaviors, leading to leaks and lack of tightness, as existing solutions do not effectively address the non-bondable nature of dissimilar plastics.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermoplastic elastomer sealing element, such as a sealing ring, which is integrally fused to both the insert and the plastic jacket, ensuring a tight and fluid-tight connection by being bonded to both components, and optionally secured within outer ring grooves to manage axial and torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connecting piece is made with an insert surrounded by a plastic jacket of different materials, then connection between dissimilar plastics is enabled, but leaks occur due to different shrinkage behavior
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element made of thermoplastic elastomer is introduced as an intermediary component between the insert and the plastic jacket. This sealing element is integrally fused to both the insert and the plastic jacket, creating a three-material construction that mediates the connection between dissimilar plastics while preventing leaks caused by differential shrinkage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plastics that cannot be welded or glued together are joined, then connection versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrally fused to both the insert and the plastic jacket in a single manufacturing process, combining three separate components (insert, sealing element, plastic jacket) into one integrated structure. This merging approach enables connection between non-bondable plastics while minimizing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is added between insert and plastic jacket, then tightness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrally fused to both the insert and the plastic jacket, combining three components into one integrated structure. This merging approach ensures a fluid-tight connection while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity, as the sealing function is built into the structural design rather than being a separate assembly step.
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 provides a reliable, leak-proof connection between non-bondable plastic components by creating a material connection between the sealing element and both the insert and the plastic jacket, effectively addressing the issue of different shrinkage behaviors and ensuring a secure, gas-tight seal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sealing element made of a thermoplastic elastomer, preferably a sealing ring, is arranged between the insert and the plastic jacket, which is integrally fused to both the insert and the plastic jacket
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The armature i.e. connecting-and/or fitting piece (1) has an insertion part (4) forming a connector (3). The insertion part is insert-molded with a plastic casing (2). The plastic casing and the insertion part consist of plastic. A sealing element (5) i.e. sealing ring, is arranged between the insertion part and the plastic casing. The sealing ring is fused with the insertion part and the plastic casing in a material engaged manner. The sealing ring consists of thermoplastic elastomer. The insertion part is secured in the casing against relative rotation using a gear tooth forming unit (9). : An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing the armature. USE : Armature e.g. connecting-and/or fitting piece (all claimed) for connecting a plastic pipeline, during pipeline construction. ADVANTAGE : The armature is manufactured in a simple manner. The sealing ring is arranged between the insertion part and the plastic casing and fused with the insertion part and the plastic casing in a material engaged manner, thus achieving sealed connection between plastic components in a simple manner. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a longitudinal sectional view of a connecting piece. 1 : Connecting-and/or fitting piece 2 : Plastic casing 3 : Connector 4 : Insertion part 5 : Sealing element 9 : Gear tooth forming unit.