Foamed FRP Socket for Corrugated Pipe Jointing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional synthetic resin pipes for drainage systems face challenges with complex connection methods that require multiple parts, are time-consuming, prone to leaks due to imperfect waterproofing, and increase weight and cost, while also being vulnerable to damage during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic resin pipe joint featuring a cylindrical socket portion with a foamed compact and FRP layer for reduced weight and increased strength, combined with a corrugated insert end portion for efficient connection and enhanced sealing, eliminating the need for complex assembly and strong materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connection methods using halved joints and multiple parts are used, then connection strength and waterproofing can be achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connection components (halved joints, packing sheets, waterproof materials, bolts, nuts) into a single integrated socket portion that is directly formed on the pipe end. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining waterproofing and connection strength through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket portion is pre-formed as an integral part of the pipe during manufacturing, with the corrugated structure already prepared to receive the insert end. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site assembly complexity while ensuring proper fit and waterproofing without requiring multiple components to be assembled during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If connection flanges with bolts and nuts are used, then connection strength is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates in limited working spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from separate bolts and nuts and integrates it directly into the socket portion structure. The socket is formed with an tapered inner surface that directly engages with the insert end, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and enabling quick connection in confined spaces without sacrificing connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If rigid connection flanges and bolts are used, then connection strength is ensured, but weight at the connected portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The socket portion utilizes the composite structure of the corrugated pipe itself, where the outer corrugated layer provides compression strength and the inner smooth layer provides engagement surface. This composite utilization eliminates the need for additional heavy fastening materials while maintaining connection strength through the engineered interface between socket and insert end.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Length of moving object

If large and long synthetic resin pipes are transported conventionally, then delivery capability is achieved, but end portions may be broken during loading and unloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe lengthVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The socket portion is designed with an tapered structure that provides inherent protection to the pipe end. The tapered shape distributes impact forces along the tapered surface rather than concentrating them at the vulnerable pipe end, providing beforehand cushioning against damage during handling and transportation without requiring additional protective measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 simplifies the connection process, ensures reliable waterproofing and pressure resistance, reduces weight and cost, and protects the pipes from damage during handling and transportation, while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a foamed compact that is molded into a cylindrical shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 2

an FRP layer that is laminated at least on an outer circumferential surface of the foamed compact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber reinforcement: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentEP2623837B1Synthetic resin tube with joint and connection structure thereof
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 KANA FURETSUKUSU KOOHOREESHON
  • EP2623837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2623837B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2623837B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided is a helical corrugated synthetic resin pipe with a joint which has a simple structure with a small number of parts, achieves sufficient waterproof property and pressure resistance as well as excellent sealing properties with no need for any strong material or highly accurate production, realizes reduction in weight and reduction in cost, and is easily handled with facilitated connection operation on site. The synthetic resin pipe being characterized in that a socket portion cylindrically extended from a connected-side end portion of the helical corrugated synthetic resin pipe is provided by foaming a foamable resin and an FRP layer obtained by impregnating a synthetic resin layer with reinforcing fibers is laminated at least on an outer circumferential surface of the socket portion.