Flexible Pipe Connection Assembly for Hygienic Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic plumbing systems face issues with metal pipes due to high costs, scaling, oxidation, and maintenance needs, while plastic pipes are less flexible, prone to failure, and less hygienic, especially when handling drinking water.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a flexible pipe with a hollow insert and annular bushing for secure clamping, made from materials compliant with the DVGW W270:2007 standard, featuring a flange-shaped head, reinforcement portion, and a connecting element with a device for hydraulic connectors, ensuring mechanical strength and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal mesh pipes are used, then connection strength and flexibility are improved, but scaling accumulation causes breakage and high costs increase expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable plastic pipe with a limited service life (5-10 years) that is intentionally designed to be replaced rather than maintained. The pipe includes a weak point that causes controlled degradation over time, making replacement predictable and economical compared to expensive metal pipes requiring maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different parts of the pipe system: the visible portion uses plastic for hygiene and flexibility, while the concealed portion within the wall uses metal mesh for structural strength and scaling resistance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by placing each material where it excels.
2Strength
If metal pipes are used, then mechanical strength is improved, but oxidation causes surface degradation and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metal mesh from the visible portion of the pipe system and places it only within the concealed wall cavity. This removes the harmful oxidation and rust effects from view and from contact with drinking water, while retaining the mechanical strength benefits where they are needed but hidden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable plastic pipe that avoids oxidation issues entirely by using non-metallic material in the visible portion, accepting periodic replacement in exchange for eliminating maintenance related to oxidation and rust.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic pipes are used, then cost and flexibility are improved, but resistance to clamping pressure decreases causing sudden failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite pipe system combining plastic and metal mesh materials. The plastic provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while the embedded metal mesh reinforcement provides the necessary strength to withstand clamping pressures and prevent sudden failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies metal mesh reinforcement locally within the concealed portion of the pipe where structural strength is needed, while maintaining plastic material in the visible portion where flexibility and hygiene are prioritized.
4Ease of manufacture
If plastic pipes are used, then cost is improved, but water accumulation causes dirt and poor hygiene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic material specifically in the visible portion of the pipe where hygiene and flexibility are important, while placing metal mesh in the concealed portion where structural strength is needed. This local differentiation addresses hygiene concerns in the drinking water contact area.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system (1) is for distributing water in a domestic system. The connection system includes a flexible pipe (2) having at least one end portion for connection to a hydraulic connector. At least one hollow insert (3, 6) axially engages the end portion of the flexible pipe (2). The insert (3, 6) includes a flange-shaped head portion (31, 61) which abuts against the free end of the end portion of the pipe (2). A reinforcement portion (32, 62) extends from the head portion (31, 61) into the end portion of the pipe (2). At least one annular bushing (4) mechanically clamps onto the end portion of the pipe (2). At least one connecting element (5) is fitted onto the end portion of the pipe (2) and includes a device for connection to the hydraulic connector.