Helically Undulated Pipe Connecting Element Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting elements for helically undulated metal pipes are cumbersome and unsuitable for stable connections due to their complex construction and eccentric end faces, which hinder the secure attachment of further structural components.
Innovation Solution
A metal ring with two sections of different inner diameters is welded to both the pipe and a pipe piece with a helically extending inner surface, ensuring a stable fixed seat by aligning the ring's smaller diameter section with the pipe's end face and welding it to the pipe's helical thread, allowing for a mechanically stable connection without obstructing the pipe's inner cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding ring with helically-shaped inner surface is screwed onto the end of a helically undulated pipe, then the connecting element can be attached to the pipe, but the connecting element becomes cumbersome and unsuitable for stable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into two separate components: a pipe piece that engages with the helical undulation and a ring that provides the mounting surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while improving connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe piece acts as an intermediary element between the helically undulated pipe and the ring. It translates the helical engagement into a stable mounting surface, solving the problem of connecting complex helical structures to standard components.
2Reliability
If the connecting element is designed to engage with the helical thread, then connection stability improves, but the inner cross section of the pipe becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe piece is inserted into the helical undulation of the pipe, nesting within the existing structure. This allows the connecting element to engage with the helical thread for stable connection while maintaining the pipe's inner cross-sectional area for fluid or signal passage.
3Ease of operation
If the end face of the pipe is used for connection, then the connection can be made at the pipe end, but the eccentric end face creates alignment and mounting difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting the ring to match the eccentric helical end face, the solution inverts the approach by creating a new circular mounting surface on the ring that is perpendicular to the pipe axis. This provides a standard, easy-to-mount interface while the pipe piece handles the helical engagement.
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 provides a stable and secure connection for further structural components by ensuring the ring and pipe piece are fixedly connected to the pipe, enhancing the mechanical stability and allowing for rotation or pushing without restricting the pipe's inner space.
Implementation Method 1
the ring is welded with the pipe piece whose inner surface includes two sections with different inner diameters arranged axially one behind the other
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement is provided for a helically undulated pipe made of metal, which has an end face extending along a turn of the thread of its undulation and a connecting element to be fastened to the pipe. The connecting element includes a pipe piece which has a helically extending inner surface corresponding to the turn of the thread of the undulation of the pipe. The pipe piece is mounted on the pipe in the undulation of the pipe. A metal ring is arranged on the pipe piece, where the pipe piece has sections with different inner diameters arranged one behind the other in the axial direction.