Flexible Internal Pipe Connector for Diameter Variance Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal pipe connectors often fail to accommodate manufacturing variances in pipe diameters, leading to loose or tight connections, and are more expensive to produce than external connectors, making external connectors more commonly used despite aesthetic drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring one or more flexible portions that can bend to accommodate varying pipe diameters, providing a friction fit and potentially reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal connectors are used to connect pipes, then the connection is structurally sound, but the connector does not accommodate manufacturing variances in pipe diameters leading to loose or tight connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible arms that can dynamically adjust their position and angle to accommodate variations in pipe diameter. The arms are designed with sufficient flexibility to bend and adapt to different pipe sizes while maintaining a secure friction fit, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and adaptability to diameter variance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If internal connectors are manufactured to accommodate pipe variance, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple parts and diverse manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated connector body. The connector includes a central body with multiple arms extending from it, where each arm can independently flex to accommodate pipe variance. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and complex assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into multiple flexible arms that can independently adjust to different pipe diameters. Each arm acts as an independent element that can flex and adapt, allowing the connector to handle variance in pipe sizes without requiring a completely different connector design for each size variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If external connectors are used to connect pipes, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the aesthetic quality of the junction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an external connector that attaches to the outside of pipes, the invention inverts the approach by using an internal connector that inserts into the pipes from the outside. The flexible arms extend into the pipe interior and secure the connection from within, making the connector hidden and preserving the aesthetic appearance of the pipe junction while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 flexible connector design effectively addresses diameter variances, ensuring a secure fit without the need for multiple parts or complex assembly, while being cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.
Implementation Method 1
providing a friction fit
Implementation Method 2
one or more flexible portions that can bend to accommodate varying pipe diameters
Data Source
AI summary
A connector device for connecting to one or more pipes. The connector device having one or more arms with static and flexible portions. The connector device connects pipes or other types of tubing by inserting the arms of the connector device into the openings of the tubing. A flexibility of the flexible portions enables the connector device to accommodate varying dimensions of inside diameter of pipes or tubing and to provide a friction fit.