Perpendicular Pipe Joint Assembly for Compact PFA Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of space in modern manufacturing environments makes it difficult to insert or remove PFA pipes from connectors, leading to challenges in assembly, disassembly, and maintenance, which are time-consuming, laborious, and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint assembly that allows pipes to be inserted or removed in a direction perpendicular to the pipe, using a gasket with protrusions and grooves on the pipe terminals, and either a sleeve or clamp to contain the assembly, enabling flexible and space-efficient connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PFA pipe joints are used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly require significant space in the direction parallel to the pipe, which is not available in modern compact manufacturing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion direction from parallel to perpendicular relative to the pipe axis. The pipe terminal is designed to insert into the connector through a perpendicular motion rather than axial motion, fundamentally changing the dimension of assembly space required and solving the compact space problem while maintaining connection reliability
2Productivity
If pipes are inserted forcibly due to lack of space, then assembly can be completed, but other connected pipes may be pulled violently and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the insertion direction to perpendicular, the patent eliminates the need for forced axial insertion. The perpendicular insertion path allows the pipe terminal to engage with the connector without transmitting violent forces to other connected pipes, thus preventing damage while maintaining assembly efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional installation processes are used with hot air guns and expanders, then the PFA pipe can be heated and inserted, but the process is time-consuming, laborious and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external heating devices (hot air guns) and expanders from the installation process. The perpendicular insertion design allows direct engagement of the pipe terminal with the connector without requiring thermal softening or mechanical expansion, dramatically simplifying the installation process and reducing time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe terminal and connector are designed with self-aligning features including grooves and protrusions that guide the perpendicular insertion automatically. The structure itself provides the alignment and engagement functions that previously required external tools, making the installation process self-service and eliminating the need for specialized equipment and skilled labor
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
This solution facilitates easier assembly and disassembly of PFA pipes, reduces the risk of pipe damage during installation, and streamlines maintenance processes by eliminating the need for extensive space and specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusions have terraces to leave space to generate the effect of the suction cups between the gasket and the first pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe joint assembly has a gasket, pipes and a receptacle. The gasket has a through hole encircled by protrusions on two sides of the gasket. Each of the pipes has a terminal with grooves on a connecting surface to fit the protrusions of the gasket. The receptacle contains an assembly of the terminals and the gasket. The protrusions have terraces to leave space to induce the effect of the suction cups between the gasket and the pipe.