Pipe Block Lip Coupling for Leak-Safe Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coupling pipes and pipe blocks in vehicle piping systems, such as welding or brazing, are time-consuming, require high cleanliness, and are prone to defects due to operator errors and impurities, leading to issues like breakage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A piping system design where a pipe with a flange is coupled to a pipe block using a lip that plastically deforms to grip the flange, eliminating the need for welding or brazing, and incorporating a seal to ensure a secure and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or brazing is used to couple the pipe and pipe block, then the coupling strength is improved, but the process time increases and the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal joining methods (welding/brazing) with a mechanical coupling system consisting of a flange, lip, and seal assembly. The lip engages with the flange through threading or interference fit, providing mechanical coupling strength without requiring thermal processes, thereby eliminating the associated time losses and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a flange attached to the pipe, a lip on the pipe block, and a seal element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled through simple mechanical operations rather than requiring complex thermal joining processes.
2Strength
If welding or brazing is used to couple the pipe and pipe block, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system eliminates the need for thermal processes that require high cleanliness standards. The flange and lip interface with the seal does not involve melting or joining materials, so impurities or surface contamination do not compromise the coupling strength as they would in welding or brazing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element acts as an intermediary between the flange and lip, creating a reliable sealing interface that compensates for minor dimensional variations and surface irregularities. This intermediary component ensures consistent sealing performance without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If welding or brazing is used to couple the pipe and pipe block, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components (flange, lip, seal) that can be manufactured using standard machining processes and assembled through simple mechanical operations such as threading or interference fit, making the overall process easier to manufacture compared to welding or brazing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling system replaces thermal joining methods with straightforward mechanical assembly operations. The flange and lip can be coupled through threading, interference fit, or other mechanical means, which are generally easier to control and execute than welding or brazing processes.
4Strength
If welding or brazing is used to couple the pipe and pipe block, then the coupling strength is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system consists of pre-manufactured components (flange, lip, seal) that can be quickly assembled through simple mechanical operations. This segmentation eliminates the time-consuming thermal processes required for welding or brazing, significantly improving assembly productivity while maintaining coupling strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling system replaces slow thermal joining processes with rapid mechanical assembly operations. The flange and lip can be coupled through threading or interference fit in a fraction of the time required for welding or brazing, thereby increasing overall productivity.
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 method reduces defects and process time, enhances assembly productivity, and prevents fluid leakage by providing a robust and efficient coupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the lip is plastically deformed in a radially inward direction of the pipe to grip the flange and fix the pipe to the pipe block
Implementation Method 2
a seal positioned between the first surface of the flange and the flange coupling surface and made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A piping system including a pipe and a pipe block coupled to an end of the pipe. The pipe includes: a flange positioned at the end and protruding in a radially outward direction along an outer circumference of the pipe; and a coupling portion having a nipple that is inserted into the pipe block. The pipe block includes: an insertion hole into which the pipe is coupled; and a lip protruding from a surface in which the insertion hole is formed in a circumferential direction along an outer circumference of the insertion hole. An inner diameter of the lip is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the flange, and when the pipe is coupled to the pipe block, the flange is positioned inside the lip and the lip is deformed in a radially inward direction of the pipe to grip and fix the pipe.