Grooved Piping Connector Crimping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional piping connection techniques are inefficient, often resulting in leaks, require expensive and cumbersome specialized tools, and are costly due to the need for welding, making them unsuitable for economical and accessible installations.

Innovation Solution

A piping connector system featuring a ring connector and piping shield with observation windows, allowing for a groove arrangement and crimping mechanism to securely connect pipes with minimal specialty tools, using materials like plastic, copper, or stainless steel, facilitating easy installation and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crimping technologies are used to connect piping sections, then a mechanical connection is provided, but the connection often results in leaks and requires expensive specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak-free connectionVSAvoidspecialized tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional components: a collar for mechanical connection, a shield for sealing and support, and integrated groove features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while simplifying the overall installation process and reducing the need for specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar acts as an intermediary component that bridges two piping sections, providing both mechanical connection and sealing functions. The integrated groove features serve as intermediaries that guide the crimping process and ensure proper alignment, eliminating the need for complex specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is used to connect piping sections, then a secure mechanical connection is achieved, but the cost of piping installation skyrockets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a crimping mechanism that uses mechanical force applied through a collar with integrated groove features. This substitution maintains strong mechanical connections while eliminating the high costs associated with welding equipment, skilled welders, and post-weld insulation repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar with integrated groove features performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical connection, creating sealing surfaces, and guiding the crimping process. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate welding operations and reduces installation complexity, thereby reducing overall installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional crimping is used to provide mechanical connection, then piping sections are connected, but inaccurate crimping allows fluids to escape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collar is pre-formed with integrated groove features that create sealing surfaces and guide the crimping process before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the collar is crimped onto the piping sections, the grooves automatically position the material correctly, preventing inaccurate crimping and ensuring seal integrity without requiring complex alignment procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized tools are used to prevent over crimping, then connection accuracy is improved, but the tools are expensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrimping accuracyVSAvoidtool requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar with integrated groove features is designed to inherently limit the crimping force through its geometric constraints. The grooves provide stopping points and guidance that prevent over-crimping before excessive force is applied. This design cushioning eliminates the need for expensive specialized tools with complex control mechanisms, as the connector itself prevents inaccurate crimping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8782872B2Multi-piece piping connector using grooves and method of connecting pipe using the same

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 J&M MANUFACTURING CO INC

AI summary

A method to connect piping and a piping connection, having the features of a ring connector configured to snugly fit around an external diameter of a pipe; and a piping shield connected to the ring connector, the piping shield having at least one observation window cut into the shield, wherein the piping shield covers an abutment end of the pipe to be connected, wherein a joint between the ring connector and the piping shield forms a connection.