Multi-Part Injection-Molded Sleeve for Corrugated Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting pieces for corrugated pipes fail to ensure full insertion, secure sealing, and resistance to bending, leading to potential water ingress and connection loosening, especially in applications like vehicle construction where durability and sealing are critical.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part plastic injection-molded sleeve with radially directed sealing lips and inwardly directed sealing lips forms a labyrinth seal, combined with an annular groove and rib design in the housing, and elastically movable tongues with outwardly directed locking cams to ensure complete pipe insertion and secure locking without radial openings in the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-part sleeve with locking cams is used, then the connection structure is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient and the sleeve can tilt under bending stress
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into three distinct parts: a core sleeve, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. Each part has specific functions - the core sleeve provides locking cams for insertion, the outer sleeve seals the gap between pipe and housing, and the inner sleeve seals the gap between pipe and core sleeve. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving sealing reliability through specialized sealing surfaces in each component.
2Ease of operation
If radial openings are provided in the housing for sleeve insertion, then the assembly process is simplified, but dirt and water can penetrate into the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve assembly acts as an intermediary component that eliminates the need for radial openings in the housing. The sleeve is inserted through the insertion opening in the core cavity, and its sealing lips prevent dirt and water from entering the housing interior. This resolves the contradiction by providing a sealed insertion path that simplifies assembly while blocking harmful factors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sleeve is allowed to tilt under bending stress, then the connection can accommodate pipe bending, but the sealing effect is reduced and the connection may loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection design allows localized flexibility at the pipe-sleeve interface while maintaining rigid sealing surfaces. The elastic sealing lips can deform locally to accommodate pipe bending, but the locking cams and sealed structures maintain their geometric integrity to preserve sealing effectiveness. This resolves the contradiction by enabling bending accommodation through controlled local deformation rather than overall sleeve tilting.
4Reliability
If the seal is positioned close to the insertion point, then the sealing effect is improved, but the seal can be deformed or damaged during pipe insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing lips are designed with elastic material properties that allow them to deform elastically during the insertion process, absorbing the impact and mechanical stress. This beforehand cushioning through elastic deformation protects the seal from permanent damage while maintaining close positioning to the insertion point for effective sealing.
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, secure connection with enhanced sealing against dirt and water ingress, ensuring the corrugated pipe is fully inserted and resistant to bending, maintaining tightness and preventing tearing, even under stress.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve which has a number of elastic, resilient casing segments. The resilient casing segments have locking cams directed inwards and outwards
Implementation Method 2
A collar-shaped seal is sandwiched between the inner end of this sleeve and the inner end of the core cavity of the housing. This seal is intended to prevent dirt and moisture from penetrating through the gap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The connection and joint piece (1) comprises a housing (3) and a sleeve (12), made from a multi-piece injection moulded plastic part. The sleeve (12) comprises an outer piece (14), forming an outer seal and an inner piece (15), forming an inner seal and a region with spring tongues (24, 25) and locking tabs (26, 27). The sleeve (12) is a multi-component injection moulded piece. In the assembled state the sleeve (12) is located in the central cavity (4) of the connector piece (1) and encloses one end (6) of a well tube (2).