Nipple Connecting Assembly With Elastic Ring Pipe Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid dispensing nipples face challenges such as laborious installation and removal, compatibility issues with pipes of different sizes, and high manufacturing costs, along with potential seal leakage due to wear and the need for complex threading or welding.

Innovation Solution

A nipple-type connecting element using an elastic ring for fixation, allowing simple and immediate attachment and detachment to pipes of varying sizes, ensuring a reliable seal without threading or welding, and utilizing a lever mechanism for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nipples are fixed to pipes by screwing or welding, then reliable connection is achieved, but installation and removal become laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nipple is divided into a body portion and a separate elastic ring (contrasting element). The elastic ring can be independently installed onto the pipe and then engaged with the nipple body, allowing quick attachment and detachment without threading or welding operations while maintaining reliable connection through the elastic retention mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring provides a dynamic, movable connection mechanism that allows the nipple to be quickly attached and detached from the pipe. The elastic properties enable the ring to deform during installation and removal, facilitating rapid operation while maintaining secure connection during use, thus reducing installation time without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If nipples are designed with threads or welding features, then secure fixation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidnipple structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism is segmented into the nipple body and a separate elastic ring component. This eliminates the need for complex threading or welding features on the nipple itself, simplifying its structure while providing secure fixation through the elastic ring that engages with simple external features on the nipple body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring acts as an intermediary element between the nipple and the pipe. Instead of requiring complex features on the nipple for direct attachment, the elastic ring mediates the connection, providing secure fixation through its elastic retention while keeping the nipple structure simple and easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If elastic rings are used for fixation, then quick installation and removal are achieved, but seal reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidseal reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic ring is pre-installed onto the pipe before the nipple is attached. This preliminary action ensures the ring is properly positioned and tensioned before the connection is made, creating immediate sealing contact when the nipple engages with the ring, thus maintaining seal reliability while enabling quick installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring provides beforehand cushioning by creating a compliant sealing interface between the rigid nipple and pipe components. The elastic properties allow the ring to deform and conform to surface irregularities, compensating for manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable sealing while facilitating easy attachment and detachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enables quick and cost-effective attachment and detachment of nipples to pipes, maintaining a durable seal, supporting various nozzle types, and accommodating different environments without structural modifications.

Implementation Method 1

said connecting set comprises a fixing elastic ring adapted to be elastically stretched between said first fixing shoulder and said second fixing shoulder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4302008B1Connecting assembly with a nipple-type connecting element
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 PNR ITAL
  • EP4302008B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4302008B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4302008B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A nipple-type connecting element (100) comprising a delivery portion (101 ) and a dispensing portion (102), wherein said nipple-type connecting element (100) is adapted to be fixed to and placed in fluid communication with a main pipe (200) in a fixing position in which it cuts off a fluid passing through said main pipe (200) and conveys at least partially said fluid from said delivery portion (101 ) to said dispensing portion (102), wherein for this purpose, said delivery portion (101 ) comprises a hollow tubular portion (103) adapted to be at least partially inserted into a corresponding hole (201 ) of said main pipe (200), wherein said nipple-type connecting element (100) comprises fixing means adapted to allow it to be fixed to said main pipe (200) in said fixing position, wherein said hollow tubular portion (103) of said delivery portion (101 ) extends at least partially through said hole (201 ) of said main pipe (200).