Irrigation Pipe Connector Resilient Wing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation pipe connectors fail to provide a reliable, watertight attachment to the pipe wall, especially under internal hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to stress and deformation, compromising the retention of irrigation elements.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a unitary one-piece construction, featuring a core and radially extending wing with a groove, where the wing can resiliently bend to accommodate pipe deformation, and a flange with varying thicknesses to reduce attachment energy and prevent damage to the pipe wall, ensuring secure and flexible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is attached to the pipe wall to enable branching connections, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but the attachment may compromise water tightness and reliability under internal hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a core portion for internal irrigation element connection, a wing portion for external attachment to the pipe wall, and a flange for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall water tightness under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a two-dimensional flat wing structure to a three-dimensional configuration by extending the core axially through the pipe wall. This adds the axial dimension to the otherwise radial wing structure, enabling the connector to span across the pipe wall thickness and create a sealed path for water flow while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
2Productivity
If the pipe wall experiences internal hydrostatic pressure, then the pipe can deliver water effectively, but the pipe wall undergoes stress and deformation that may compromise connector retention
Solution Approach 1:
The wing portion of the connector is designed with varying thickness to create a resilient structure that can dynamically respond to pressure-induced deformations. The thinner peripheral segment allows controlled flexibility while the thicker radially inward segment maintains structural integrity, enabling the connector to adapt to pipe wall movements without compromising retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's thickness parameter is strategically varied across different segments. The flange has a first thickness for strong attachment, while the peripheral segment has a smaller second thickness for flexibility. This parameter variation allows the connector to maintain both strength and adaptability under hydrostatic pressure conditions.
3Strength
If a thick flange is used for secure attachment to the pipe wall, then connector retention is improved, but the energy required for attachment increases and may damage the pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a greater first thickness at the attachment region for strong retention, and a smaller second thickness at the peripheral edge to reduce attachment energy requirements. This local quality variation allows the connector to achieve secure attachment where needed while minimizing damage risk and energy consumption at the edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the flange is changed across its extent, creating a gradient from the thicker inner portion to the thinner outer portion. This parameter change optimizes the balance between attachment strength and energy consumption, allowing reliable retention without excessive attachment energy that could damage the pipe wall.
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 reliable, watertight connection that withstands internal pressure and temperature-induced deformations, minimizing damage to the pipe wall and maintaining the retention of irrigation elements, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the wing comprising a radially inward segment and a peripheral segment that extends radially outwardly from the radially inward segment; wherein a thickness of the peripheral segment is smaller than a thickness of the radially inward segment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
An irrigation pipe connector (16) has a core (18) that is adapted to connect to an irrigation element (40) and a wing (20) that is attachable to a wall of a pipe (10). The wing (20) is provided with resiliency to allow the connector (16) to deform in response to changing fluid pressures in the pipe (10). In addition, the wing (20) may be provided with a thin segment in order to reduce potential damage during welding of the wing to the wall of the pipe (10).