Pipe Connector With Integrated Compression Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for water irrigation systems are impractical due to loose parts that slow down installation and can unscrew unintentionally, leading to unreliable connections.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a core and nut design that allows for a strong, reliable connection by using a compression face to press attachment sections together, eliminating rotational abrasive contact and enabling pre-assembly with a single part handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a nut and core design with multiple loose parts is used to connect pipes, then the connection can be adjusted and secured, but the installation process becomes slow and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (nut, core, attachment sections) into a single integrated connector body. The connector is formed as one piece with the core containing integrated attachment sections, eliminating the need for separate nuts and cores that require sequential assembly. This merging of components directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design while dramatically improving installation speed by reducing the number of assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into functional zones within a single body: a core region with attachment sections for pipe connection, and an integrated nut region with threading. The attachment sections are segmented to provide clamping surfaces while remaining part of the unified connector structure. This segmentation within integration allows the connector to perform multiple functions (securing, clamping, connecting) simultaneously without requiring multiple loose parts, thus improving installation efficiency while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional nut and core system with loose parts is used, then the components can be assembled flexibly, but the nut may unscrew unintentionally without user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nut and core are merged into a single monolithic connector body, eliminating the threaded interface between separate nut and core components. The attachment sections are integrated directly into the core structure, removing the need for a separate nut to secure the connection. This integration eliminates the risk of unintentional unscrewing while maintaining assembly flexibility through the designed attachment mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment sections serve as an intermediary mechanism between the pipe and the connector body. These sections provide a controlled interface that allows flexible assembly while preventing unintended disassembly. The attachment sections mediate between the need for assembly flexibility and connection stability by designing a mechanism that secures the pipe reliably without requiring a separate nut that could loosen, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the nut is screwed on tightly to secure the pipe, then the connection strength increases, but rotational abrasive contact causes wear over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnector lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the clamping function from the threaded nut mechanism and relocates it to dedicated attachment sections within the core. The nut is removed as a separate component, and its securing function is replaced by the attachment sections that clamp the pipe without requiring rotational movement. This extraction eliminates the source of abrasive wear (threaded interface rotation) while maintaining connection strength through the clamping action of the attachment sections, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and connector lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional threaded mechanical fastening system is replaced with a clamping mechanism using attachment sections. Instead of relying on rotational threading to create friction-based holding force, the design uses direct clamping pressure from the attachment sections onto the pipe. This substitution eliminates the rotational abrasive contact inherent in threaded connections while maintaining secure attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates easy and secure pipe connection with reduced wear, ensuring a long-lasting and stable attachment without loose parts.

Implementation Method 1

the nut comprises a nut thread which is adapted to interact with a core thread at the core to move the nut along a rotation axis in a mounting direction or in an opposing securing direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the nut comprises a compression face which is adapted and arranged to press the second attachment section towards the first attachment section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression force: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the first contact surface has an inclined orientation in relation to the rotation axis and at least partially faces towards the core thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4555246B1Connector, pipe system and assembling process
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ELYSEE IRRIGATION
  • EP4555246B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4555246B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4555246B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This invention relates to a pipe system with a connector, which comprises a core and a nut, wherein the core is formed as an at least partially hollow body with an inner channel comprises a first attachment section and at least one second attachment section, wherein the nut comprises a nut thread which is adapted to interact with a core thread to move the nut along a rotation axis in a mounting direction or in an opposing securing direction, wherein the nut comprises a compression face which is adapted and arranged to press the second attachment section towards the first attachment section, wherein the compression face is arranged at a first distal end of the nut, wherein the second attachment section comprises a first contact surface which is adapted to receive a compressive force from the compression face, wherein the first contact surface has an inclined orientation in relation to the rotation axis and at least partially faces towards the core thread.