Flexible Pipe Fitting Structure for Low-Resistance Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fittings for connecting flexible pipes suffer from high hydraulic resistance, reduced flow rates, and increased manufacturing costs due to complex production processes and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A fitting design featuring tubular elements with through openings that create empty spaces for pipe material to fill, providing stable anchoring and reducing the need for additional gripping parts or complex machining, combined with a bushing system for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional brass fittings with mechanical machining are used, then manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the anchoring function from complex mechanical structures and concentrates it in a single through-opening feature. The tubular element includes a through-opening that allows pipe material to pass through and be anchored, eliminating the need for separate gripping parts or complex machining operations while maintaining structural strength and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating external grooves or ribs to anchor the pipe, the invention inverts the approach by creating a through-opening that allows the pipe material itself to form the anchoring structure. The pipe material is fed through the opening and anchored within the tubular element, reversing the traditional external anchoring method
2Reliability
If traditional press fittings with external sheaths and gaskets are used, then fluid seal reliability is improved, but device complexity and potential leakage points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the anchoring function and fluid sealing function into a single integrated through-opening structure. The through-opening serves both to anchor the pipe material and to provide the fluid seal path, eliminating the need for separate external sheaths and gaskets while maintaining reliability and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The through-opening feature performs multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors the pipe material, provides fluid sealing, and simplifies the overall structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining both reliability and ease of manufacture
3Adaptability or versatility
If angular fittings with sharp internal curves are used, then adaptability to different pipe arrangements is improved, but hydraulic resistance and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces sharp internal curves with smooth, gradual transitions in the tubular element geometry. The through-opening and tubular structure are designed with optimized curvatures that maintain adaptability for different pipe arrangements while minimizing turbulence and pressure drops, reducing energy loss compared to traditional angular fittings
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 achieves reduced hydraulic resistance, increased flow rates, lower manufacturing costs, and improved operational reliability by minimizing turbulence and pressure drops, while avoiding complex structures and potential leakage issues.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible pipe is forced to adhere, and to which the flexible pipe is stably anchored upon an elastic or permanent deformation
Implementation Method 2
external sheaths (typically called 'bushings') are usually used, for example made of metal, which surround the end of the pipe coupled to the tubular element and are thus permanently deformed, for example by pinching with a gripper, so as to generate compression on the underlying pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for connecting pipes, in particular flexible pipes, includes a first tubular element, provided with a first inlet/outlet opening and at its interior defining a first duct, and a second tubular element, provided with a second inlet/outlet opening and at its interior defining a second duct. The two tubular elements are connected together in a manner such that the first and second ducts are in communication. The first tubular element is provided with at least one through opening, between an external surface thereof facing outwards and an internal surface directed towards the first duct. The through opening defines a respective empty space between the external surface and the internal surface of the first tubular element. The fitting operates in an insertion condition, in which it allows a pipe to be fitted around said first tubular element, and a clamping condition, in which the pipe is pressed and stably locked on the first tubular element. In the clamping condition, the empty space defined by the through opening is occupied by a portion of the pipe pressed on the first tubular element.