Pipe Branch Insert Sealing for Relined Main Pipe Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for pipes to main pipes, especially those renovated with an inliner, face challenges in achieving tightness and universality across various pipe wall thicknesses, requiring a solution that is easy to install, cost-effective, and durable.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring a hollow plug-shaped installation insert with a conical screw area, bent tab, and multiple fixing and contact elements, which contacts the inner main pipe surface for a secure seal, and can be adapted to different pipe wall thicknesses using a flexible fixing means and sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection system is designed to work with relined main pipes, then tightness and prevention of liquid penetration are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The installation insert is inserted into the transverse opening of the main pipe, and the connecting stub is inserted into the installation insert, creating a nested structure. This nested design allows multiple sealing interfaces (between installation insert and main pipe, and between connecting stub and installation insert) to be integrated in a compact manner, achieving high tightness without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines different materials with complementary properties: the installation insert is made of soft material (at least partially) to conform to and seal against the inner surface of the main pipe, while the connecting stub is made of harder material for structural strength and thread engagement. This composite material approach enables the system to achieve both tightness and mechanical integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal connection system is designed to cover a large range of pipe wall thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The installation insert is designed with soft material properties that allow it to deform and adapt to different pipe wall thicknesses and inner surface geometries. This dynamic adaptability enables a single insert design to work across a range of pipe specifications without requiring precision manufacturing for each specific pipe dimension
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system accommodates different pipe wall thicknesses by allowing the installation insert to change its deformation parameters when pressed into the transverse opening. The soft material enables the insert to conform to varying inner diameters and wall thicknesses, providing universality without requiring multiple precision-manufactured variants
3Ease of operation
If a simple and cost-effective connection system is designed, then ease of installation and cost are improved, but tightness and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The installation insert is pre-formed with the appropriate shape and sealing surfaces before installation. The soft material is prepared in advance to ensure it will conform properly to the main pipe inner surface when installed, eliminating the need for complex on-site adjustments or additional sealing steps during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of soft installation insert material for sealing and harder connecting stub material for structural integrity achieves both tightness and durability without requiring complex assembly procedures or expensive specialized materials, maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of installation
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 provides a universal, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solution with enhanced tightness and durability, ensuring a complete seal across a wide range of pipe wall thicknesses, including those with inliners, by utilizing a combination of soft and hard materials and a sealing element that swells with water ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element, in particular a sealing element which swells upon contact with water
Implementation Method 2
an elastomer insert positioned in the transverse opening of the main pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system (100) for connecting a pipe (10) to a main pipe (20), a shaft, or similar, at a transverse opening (30), wherein the connection system (100) can be connected to the main pipe (20) or the shaft for this purpose, comprising a hollow plug-type, at least partially soft, installation insert (50), wherein the outer side (51) thereof is adapted to the transverse opening (30) and the inner side (53) thereof has a conical screw region (52), wherein the installation insert (50) has a widened end section (54) with at least one bent tab (55), wherein said end section is compressed and, starting with the tab (55), it can be partially inserted through the transverse opening (30) of the main pipe (20) or shaft into same, and wherein, in a connected state in which the connection system (100) is connected to the main pipe (20) or shaft, an outer contact surface (57) of the installation insert (50) at least partially contacts a main pipe inner surface (23) adjacent to and surrounding the transverse opening (30), and comprising a relatively harder connection part (60) having an engaging end (61), a conical central part (62) with an outer thread (63), and a drive end (64), characterised in that at least one contact element (90) is arranged at the end section (58) of the installation insert (50) opposite the widened end section (54), and at least one fixing element (70) is arranged at the end (59) of the contact surface (57) of the installation insert (50) opposite the widened end section (54).