Induction Pipe Sleeve Joining With Immediate Groove Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting plastic pipes using induction connection sleeves do not allow for immediate verification of a proper attachment, requiring a post-connection leak test with gas or liquid under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an induction hand pliers with arcuate pressing jaws and ribs to form circumferential grooves on the pipe and induction connection sleeve, ensuring uniform heating and pressure, and incorporating control holes and recesses in the sleeve to check for proper attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a post-connection leak test with gas or liquid under pressure is used to verify connection quality, then connection reliability can be checked, but the process time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the verification action during the connection process itself rather than after. The induction heating and pressing operation simultaneously creates the connection and forms the circumferential groove that serves as an immediate visual indicator of connection quality, eliminating the need for separate post-connection leak tests and thereby increasing productivity while maintaining reliability verification
2Reliability
If an induction hand pliers with ribs is used to form circumferential grooves for immediate verification, then connection quality can be checked immediately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the induction hand pliers: the induction heating element for heating, the pressing mechanism for applying force, and the ribs for forming circumferential grooves as verification indicators. By merging these functions into a single integrated tool, the device achieves immediate connection verification capability while minimizing the increase in complexity compared to using separate tools for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The induction hand pliers is designed as a multi-functional device that performs induction heating, mechanical pressing, and quality verification all in one operation. The ribs on the pressing jaw serve dual purposes: applying uniform pressure during connection and creating visible circumferential grooves that indicate proper heating and connection quality, thereby providing immediate verification without requiring additional devices
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
Enables immediate verification of a proper connection by checking for uniform heating and insertion depth, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring a secure joint.
Implementation Method 1
electric currents are induced into the induction heating element by means of a primary induction coil
Implementation Method 2
causing heat development in the induction heating element
Implementation Method 3
locally softening or melting of the induction connection sleeve
Implementation Method 4
causing heat development in the induction heating element
Implementation Method 5
causing pressure on the outside of the tube at the location of the induction connection sleeve and/or on the outside of the induction connection sleeve to melt the tube and the induction connection sleeve together or to fuse the tube and the induction connection sleeve
Implementation Method 6
to melt the tube and the induction connection sleeve together or to fuse the tube and the induction connection sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
To connect two plastic pipes 3 together, an induction connection sleeve 1 is used, which is provided with annular recesses 5 into which the pipes 3 with the ends 3A are pushed. Subsequently, induction heating elements 9 present in the induction connecting sleeve are heated with induction hand pliers 21 and the induction connecting sleeve is pressed against the end 3A of one of the tubes 3. The induction connection sleeve fuses to the tube. Because the induction hand pliers 21 are provided with ribs 27, grooves 19 are pressed into the pipe wall 3B in order to check whether sufficient heating and pressing has taken place over the entire circumference to obtain a gastight connection.