Insert Coupling Assembly for Protected Prefab Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prefab construction elements often lack easy-to-couple piping solutions for water management, sewer systems, electricity, air treatment, and ventilation during installation, which can lead to damage and inefficiencies in transporting and placing these elements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of recessed pipe ends and a telescopic insert coupling system that protects pipes during transport and allows for easy coupling once in place, using flexible sealings and various cross-sectional designs to accommodate different pipe diameters and materials, enabling secure and efficient connection of pipes within the construction elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipes are integrated into prefab construction elements, then water management and utility systems are provided, but the fragile outer ends of the pipes are vulnerable to damage during transport and hoisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing recesses in the construction elements before the pipes are installed. These recesses are pre-formed to receive and protect the outer ends of the pipes, preventing damage during transport and hoisting operations before the actual pipe installation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses act as intermediary structures between the fragile pipe ends and the external environment. By providing these intermediate protective chambers, the patent isolates the vulnerable pipe ends from direct mechanical impacts during handling and transport operations.
2Reliability
If pipes are integrated into prefab construction elements, then utility systems are provided, but coupling pipes between elements becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing insertion couplings within the recesses during the manufacturing of construction elements. This allows the coupling mechanism to be ready in advance, so that when construction elements are assembled on-site, the pipes can be quickly connected by simply inserting them into the pre-positioned couplings, dramatically reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion coupling design allows the system to be self-assembling. The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically secure the pipes once inserted, without requiring additional fastening operations or complex alignment procedures, enabling the system to service itself during the assembly process.
3Reliability
If recesses are provided to protect pipe ends, then pipe protection is improved, but the installation space for coupling pipes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the insertion coupling inside the recess, which itself is integrated into the construction element. This nested arrangement allows the coupling mechanism to be housed within the protective recess space, maximizing the use of available volume while maintaining both protection and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the recess downward from the outer surface of the construction element. This vertical exploitation of space creates sufficient installation volume within the recess without increasing the horizontal footprint, allowing adequate room for coupling operations while maintaining compact construction element dimensions.
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
This solution ensures the pipes are well-protected during transport and installation, facilitating easy coupling with a secure and watertight connection, reducing damage and installation time while accommodating various pipe sizes and materials, thus enhancing the efficiency of building construction.
Implementation Method 1
the insert coupling comprises a circumferential, flexible sealing between the first slider pipe and the second slider pipe
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly of a first plate-shaped construction element and a second plate-shaped construction element which, parallel next to each other, form a floor or ceiling of a building, wherein pipes have been accommodated in the construction elements, which pipes are coupled to each other by means of an insert coupling connecting the pipes to each other in a flowing manner, wherein the construction elements define an installation space for the insert coupling, wherein the insert coupling can be converted from a first position or condition in which it can be placed in the installation space, to a second position or condition in which it engages onto the first pipe and the second pipe.