Fireproof Pipe Socket With Intumescent Sealing Against Heat Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing connecting pieces for plastic pipes that are fireproof remains a challenge, as existing solutions do not effectively integrate intumescent materials to seal and protect against heat-induced expansion.
Innovation Solution
A connecting piece with a molded socket and intumescent material arranged in a curved segment body, where the material expands to seal the insertion channel upon heat application, combined with an annular groove and elastic sealing lips for reliable sealing and prevention of spigot end displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a connector is designed to receive a spigot end of a plastic pipe, then connection functionality is achieved, but fire resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into functionally distinct zones: a receptacle for intumescent material separate from the insertion channel, allowing the sealing function and fire protection function to be spatially segmented. This enables the intumescent material to expand independently without interfering with the mechanical seal between the spigot end and socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The intumescent material acts as an intermediary substance that activates under heat conditions to provide fire resistance. It is positioned in the receptacle where it can expand to seal the insertion channel when needed, without compromising the primary mechanical connection between pipe and socket under normal conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If intumescent material is added to the connector for fire protection, then fire resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle for intumescent material is integrally formed with the socket as a single molded piece, merging the fire protection function into the existing connector structure without requiring separate components or assembly steps. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding fire resistance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for the spigot end, contains the receptacle for intumescent material, and through the interaction of these elements, provides fire protection. The single socket structure thus performs both sealing and fire resistance functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the receptacle extends completely around the insertion channel for optimal fire protection, then fire resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is pre-formed as an integral part of the socket during the molding process, with the intumescent material cavity prepared in advance. This allows the material to be subsequently filled or pre-loaded without requiring complex post-assembly operations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining complete circumferential protection.
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 simple and effective integration of intumescent material for fireproofing, ensuring the spigot end is sealed and protected against heat-induced deformation, with accelerated material triggering and secure sealing against sliding or pulling out.
Implementation Method 1
An intumescent material is a material that expands to many times its volume when heat is applied and is able to close the insertion channel due to its expansion
Implementation Method 2
the seal has a ring body and elastic sealing lips extending from this into the insertion channel
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Connection piece comprising a cast body (20) with an integrally formed socket (18) having an insertion opening (22) and an insertion channel (24) extending from the insertion opening (22) into the socket (18), which is designed to receive a spigot end (30) of a plastic pipe (32), wherein, to form the connection piece as a fire protection connection piece, the socket (18) has a socket housing (38) with a receptacle (40) arranged radially outside the insertion channel (24) and open towards the insertion channel (24), in which an intumescent material (50) is arranged.