L-Shaped Pipe Joint Structure for Compact Reliable Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joint designs that rely on flange-like protruding portions for positioning and prevention of falling out can be difficult to form when design dimensions are restricted, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design that eliminates the need for a flange-like protruding portion by using an L-shaped configuration with a portion to be inserted, a portion to be clamped, and a protruding portion, where the protruding portion positions the joint and is integrated with a reinforcement rib for enhanced strength, allowing fixation to a connection target without the need for a flange-like protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flange-like protruding portion is formed on the branch pipe connection portion for positioning and prevention of falling out, then the joint can be reliably fixed to the water supply header, but it becomes difficult to form the joint when design dimensions are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into functionally distinct segments: a connection portion for insertion into the water supply header, a protruding portion for positioning, and a reinforcement rib for structural support. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, enabling reliable fixation without requiring a large flange-like structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flange-like protruding portion to a three-dimensional structure where a protruding portion extends axially from the connection portion. This dimensional change allows positioning functionality to be achieved in the axial direction rather than requiring radial expansion, thus solving the contradiction between fixation reliability and manufacturability under height constraints.
2Length of stationary object
If the design dimensions of the joint are restricted, then the joint size is reduced for compact installation, but it becomes difficult to form the flange-like protruding portion needed for reliable fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves positioning and fixation functionality in the axial direction through the protruding portion, rather than relying on radial expansion of a flange structure. This allows the joint height to be minimized while maintaining reliable fixation, as the protruding portion engages with the water supply header in the insertion direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the joint radially with a flange-like structure to achieve fixation, the invention inverts the approach by extending a protruding portion axially in the insertion direction. This inverted geometry allows fixation to be achieved with minimal joint height, resolving the contradiction between compact dimensions and fixation reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a flange-like protruding portion is used for positioning, then the joint can be positioned correctly, but the joint requires additional material and increased size
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented from the main body and concentrated in a dedicated protruding portion. This allows positioning accuracy to be achieved with minimal material, as only the protruding portion (not the entire joint) needs to provide positioning features. The reinforcement rib provides structural support without compromising positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the positioning function (protruding portion) with the structural reinforcement function (reinforcement rib) into a single integrated design. This combination achieves both positioning accuracy and structural strength without requiring separate flange-like structures, thereby reducing overall material usage while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pipe joint 1 includes a portion to be inserted 2 having an outer peripheral surface 2a to be brought into contact with an inner peripheral surface of a pipe which is a first connection target, a portion to be clamped 3 adjacent to the portion to be inserted 2, and a protruding portion 4 protruding outward from a part of the portion to be clamped 3 in a radial direction of the portion to be clamped 3. An axial direction of the portion to be inserted 2 and an axial direction of the portion to be clamped 3 are parallel to each other. An outer diameter of the portion to be clamped 3 is smaller than an outer diameter of the portion to be inserted 2. The protruding portion 4 has a leading end 4a facing outward in the radial direction of the portion to be clamped 3. The leading end 4a is located on an outside of the outer peripheral surface 2a in the radial direction of the portion to be clamped 3.