Hybrid Plastic-Metal Pipe Connection with Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections using solely plastics materials are unsuitable or undesirable in applications where they lack the hardness and durability of metal materials, such as brass, particularly due to their low hardness relative to conventional metal materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection design featuring a polysulfone connection body with a projecting periphery and retaining region, combined with a metal union nut and a polyamide or polysulfone retaining ring, which secures the union nut in a rotatable manner, allowing for a combination of plastics and metal materials and enhancing the snap-fit joint's security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a purely plastics-material connection is used, then production costs are low and weight is reduced, but hardness and durability are insufficient compared to metal materials
Solution Approach 1:
The connection comprises a connection body made from plastics material (specifically polysulfone) and a union nut made from metal material (specifically brass), creating a composite material connection that combines the advantages of both materials - the corrosion resistance and ease of manufacture of plastics with the hardness and durability of metal
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is divided into separate components (connection body and union nut) made from different materials, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function - the connection body provides corrosion resistance and sealing while the union nut provides hardness and screwing capability
2Reliability
If a snap-fit joint between plastics components is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the securing surface area is insufficient for reliable connection
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the connection body and union nut, providing an additional securing mechanism that increases the effective securing surface area and enhances connection reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring introduces a new dimensional aspect to the connection by adding a circumferential securing element that works in conjunction with the axial snap-fit joint, creating a multi-dimensional connection system that improves reliability
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment a pipe connection comprises a connection body produced from a plastic material, the connection body having at least one projecting periphery, arranged on the end side, and having a retaining region located axially downstream of said periphery. The pipe connection further comprises a union nut produced from a metal material, the union nut pushed over the connection body and having an annular depression in a region located opposite the retaining region of the connection body. The pipe connection further comprises a retaining ring arranged in the annular depression between the connection body and the union nut, securing the union nut in a rotatable manner on the connection body.