Flush Pipe Joint Structure for Smooth Installation and Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection methods often result in enlarged or projecting connection points, which hinder movement and installation, especially in horizontal and vertical configurations, and do not provide a flush engagement arrangement on the outer pipe wall.
Innovation Solution
A pipe design featuring male and female ends with internal and external spline grooves and sealing channels, allowing for a flush connection with a spline that aligns and inserts through a wall bore, creating a continuous planar surface without projections, and utilizing o-ring seals for a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pipe connection methods are used, then pipe sections can be connected, but enlarged or projecting connection points are created that hinder movement and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The male end is nested within the female end through insertion, with the male end wall positioned inside the female end. The spline connects the two ends internally, keeping all connection elements contained within the pipe structure rather than protruding outward, thus maintaining a smooth continuous exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from external protruding connections to internal connections by moving the connection elements into the interior dimension of the pipe. The spline and sealing channels are positioned inside the pipe walls, converting the connection from a external to internal dimensional arrangement.
2Reliability
If mechanical connection elements are added to achieve fluid-tight sealing, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the pipe ends themselves: the pipe walls contain sealing channels, spline grooves, and alignment features integrated directly into the male and female end structures. This eliminates the need for separate external sealing components and simplifies the overall connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe ends are designed to be self-aligning and self-sealing through the integrated features. The external and internal flanges provide automatic alignment, the spline provides both mechanical connection and positioning, and the o-ring seal automatically engages with the sealing channel when the male end is inserted into the female end.
Data Source
AI summary
A length of pipe and methods of connection that provide a flush, continuous external wall on adjacent lengths of pipe. Each individual length of pipe includes opposed male and female ends. Generally, the female end is dimensioned such that the male end of an adjacent length of pipe is slidably insertable into the female end. When the male end has been fully inserted into the female end, an exterior surface on each of the adjacent lengths of pipe is arranged to define a flush engagement such that an assembled exterior surface defines a continuous, planar surface absent any projections or enlargements. By avoiding any diameter increase at a connection point, the resulting pipe can be more easily installed and/or positioned via sliding or lifting there are no enlarged or projecting portions that can hinder movement of the assembled pipe.