Keyway Connector for Plastic Pipe Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for joining plastic components, such as welding and threading, are time-consuming, expensive, and limited in their ability to create secure, leak-proof seals, especially for large components and complex shapes, and often require specialized equipment and skills, which restricts the use of plastics in applications like storage containers for hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using keyway arrangements and a keyway connector where keyways on components intermesh to form a passage, allowing a keyway connector to be inserted and locked in place, providing a secure and flexible joint that can be easily assembled and disassembled, suitable for various materials and complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding or fusion welding is used to join plastic components, then secure joints and seals can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal welding processes with a mechanical keyway connector system. The connector features keys that engage with keyways in the plastic components, creating secure mechanical interlocking joints without requiring heat, specialized equipment, or extensive operator skill. This mechanical approach maintains joint reliability while dramatically reducing joining time and cost.
2Reliability
If compression fittings are used for joining plastic components, then secure connections can be achieved, but they are limited in size and practicality for large components
Solution Approach 1:
The keyway connector design provides a universal joining solution that scales from small to large plastic components. The connector adapts to different component sizes through its keyway engagement mechanism, eliminating the size limitations of compression fittings. The same basic connector principle works for various dimensions and geometries of plastic components.
3Reliability
If threads are used for joining plastic components, then positive joining can be achieved, but they are expensive to mould and difficult to undo or tighten for large components
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design segments the joining function into discrete keys that engage with keyways, rather than relying on continuous threaded engagement. This segmentation allows for easier assembly through simple linear insertion and engagement, eliminating the difficulty of tightening and undoing large threaded joints. The modular key structure maintains positive joining while improving operability.
4Reliability
If traditional joining methods are used for large plastic components, then connections can be made, but specialized equipment and skills are required, restricting plastic use in certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The keyway connector system is designed to be self-aligning and self-locating through its keyway geometry. The keys automatically guide themselves into the correct position within the keyways during assembly, eliminating the need for specialized alignment equipment or highly skilled operators. This self-service characteristic makes the joining process accessible for general manufacturing applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting at least a first component and a second component together, wherein each said component comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components such that the keyways intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and, extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage such that the keys are retained by the keyways of the keyway arrangements. In the slip flange assembly 1001 embodiment shown, the first and second components are each in the form of a pipe (1002, 1003) or tube, the keyway arrangements are in the form of collars (1004, 1008) that extend around abutting ends of said pipes (1002, 1003) or tubes, and the keyway connector (1015) is annular.