Pipe Connection Assembly With Compressible Grip-Seal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for irrigation pipes are complex to assemble, require extensive manual work or tools, and often limit the connection to specific types of pipes, necessitating a solution that simplifies the assembly process and allows for the connection of different pipes without adapter solutions.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a plastic core and a ring-shaped nut with a gripping and sealing element, where the nut and core are initially movable to facilitate easy pipe insertion and then secured through holding means like threads or protrusions, allowing for force- and friction-fit engagement with the pipe, enabling easy assembly and sealing of various pipe diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection systems are used, then sealing and fastening can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and requires extensive manual work or tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system enables self-service assembly through the interaction between the resilient gripping element and the compression surface. When the nut is screwed onto the core, the compression surface automatically compresses the gripping element against the pipe, creating both gripping force and sealing without requiring additional manual operations or tools. The system performs its own fastening and sealing functions through the mechanical interaction of its components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the gripping function and sealing function into a single resilient element. The gripping element serves dual purposes: it provides mechanical gripping force to secure the pipe and simultaneously creates the sealing interface when compressed against the pipe surface. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate gripping and sealing components, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If traditional connection systems are used, then sufficient sealing can be achieved, but tools or extensive manual work are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system performs self-service by automatically achieving sealing through the mechanical compression of the resilient gripping element. When the nut is tightened onto the core, the compression surface automatically applies force to compress the gripping element against the pipe, creating both the gripping force and the sealing interface without requiring additional manual sealing operations or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the resilient gripping element to achieve sealing. The gripping element transitions from a relaxed state with larger inner diameter to a compressed state with reduced inner diameter when force is applied by the compression surface. This parameter change allows the element to conform to the pipe surface and create an effective sealing interface through elastic deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection systems are used, then fastening can be achieved, but only certain types of pipes can be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system achieves universality through the resilient gripping element that can adapt to different pipe types and diameters. The element's ability to elastically deform allows it to conform to various pipe surfaces, enabling the same connection system to securely fasten different types of pipes without requiring specialized adapters or modification of the core connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs parameter changes in the gripping element's inner diameter to accommodate different pipe sizes. When compression force is applied, the inner diameter of the gripping element reduces, allowing it to adapt to pipes with different outer diameters. This parameter adjustment enables the connection system to handle a range of pipe types and sizes using the same basic connection mechanism.
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 system allows for quick and tool-free assembly of pipes, providing a secure and sealed connection for pipes with diameters ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm, accommodating both metric and imperial systems, and enabling the connection of pipes with different diameters through adjustable compression and sealing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping element, which consists of elastic, resiliently deformable material, is deformed by a compression surface of the nut and a corresponding counter force exerted by the core, whereby the inner bore of the gripping element is reduced to a mean gripping diameter
Implementation Method 2
In a preferred embodiment of the holding means being formed as threads, the second state can be achieved by securing the nut and the core from rotational movements relative to each other, such that also longitudinal movement of the two parts is prevented
Implementation Method 3
the gripping element is force-fit and frictionally engaged with the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Connection system (1) for pipes, comprising a core (2) and a nut (4),wherein the core (2) comprises an at least partially cylindrical bore that extends axially symmetrically along a longitudinal axis (L),wherein the nut (4) comprises a front rim (45) with a bore adapted to insert a pipe and a rear rim (46) with a bore adapted to insert the core (2),wherein a sealing (5) and a gripping element (6) are arranged in an inner space defined by the core (2) and the nut (2),wherein in a first state (A) of the connection system (1) - the core (2) and the nut (4) are moveable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), and - the gripping element (6) in its relaxed state defines an inner bore with a maximum mean insertion diameter (D6max );wherein in a second state of the connection system (1) - first holding means (21) formed at the core (2) are in engagement with second holding means (41) formed at the nut (4), to secure the core (2) and the nut (4) against displacement relative to each other, - the gripping element (6) is supported by a compression surface (42) of the nut (4) holding the gripping element (6) in a compressed state in which the inner bore of the gripping element (6) is reduced to a mean gripping diameter, - wherein the nut (4) is adapted to exert a force acting parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) that presses the gripping element (6) against at least one of the sealing (5), an intermediate element (7), and a gripping shoulder (26) formed at the inner side of the core (2).