Multilayer Composite Pipe for Potable Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipes for potable water systems, whether metal or plastic, face issues such as high costs, cumbersome assembly, corrosion, and limited suitability for surface mounting due to aesthetic and durability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer composite pipe design featuring a plastic inner layer, a seamless metal layer with a non-overlapping axial seam, and a transparent outer layer that provides aesthetic appeal, corrosion protection, and flexibility for permanent bending, allowing for effective surface mounting and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal pipes are used for potable water systems, then durability and corrosion resistance are improved, but cost increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining plastic inner layer, metal intermediate layer, and plastic outer layer. This composite design leverages the corrosion resistance of metal while using plastic for ease of assembly and connection, resolving the contradiction between durability and assembly ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is divided into multiple functional layers: inner plastic layer for corrosion resistance and ease of connection, intermediate metal layer for structural strength, and outer plastic layer for protection and aesthetics. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic pipes are used for potable water systems, then cost decreases and assembly becomes easier, but suitability for surface mounting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By combining plastic and metal layers, the pipe achieves both cost-effectiveness and plastic properties (flexibility, surface mounting capability) while retaining metal's strength and durability characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal layer is positioned specifically to provide structural reinforcement where needed, while the plastic layers provide flexibility and surface mounting adaptability in other areas, creating local optimization of properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional multilayer pipes are manufactured with wrapped metal bands, then manufacturing is simplified, but welding seams are created that compromise integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the welding process by using a seamless metal tube instead of wrapped metal bands. This removes the source of welding seams while maintaining the benefits of metal reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The seamless metal tube is integrated with plastic layers through adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking, creating a composite structure that maintains integrity without requiring welding operations.
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 pipe offers an aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective solution for potable water systems, with enhanced resistance to corrosion and flexibility for surface mounting, while maintaining structural integrity and preventing spring back after bending.
Implementation Method 1
an inner layer made of a plastic... the pipe can be permanently bent to certain angles without significant spring back
Implementation Method 2
a seamless metal layer or a metal layer having an axial, non-overlapping seam
Implementation Method 3
wherein an outermost transparent layer is provided on an outer surface of the metal layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for making a multilayer composite pipe. The multilayer composite pipe comprises an innermost layer (2) made of plastic. The pipe has a seamless metal layer (4) or a metal layer (4) having an axial, non-overlapping seam. The outer surface of the metal layer is treated for changing its outer appearance. There-after a transparent outermost layer (8) is provided on the outer surface of the metal layer. The structure of the pipe is such that the pipe can be permanently bent to certain angles without significant spring back.