Pipe connection structure and furniture kit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connection systems are prone to instability and play, especially under high loads, due to manufacturing tolerances and the use of undersized connectors, making them unsuitable for applications requiring robustness and precision, such as furniture construction and scaffolding.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection structure featuring a locking mechanism with a bolt tensioning mechanism that securely locks and braces pipe sections together, preventing axial movement and ensuring a stable, precise connection by using a nose opening and radially movable nose to clamp the pipe sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push-fit pipe connections are used with undersized connectors to enable easy insertion, then ease of assembly is improved, but connection stability and reliability deteriorate due to play and wobble
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from a loose fit state during insertion to a locked state with positive engagement. The locking element can move between positions to first allow easy insertion of the pipe section, then engage with a locking feature on the pipe section to prevent withdrawal and eliminate play, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its effective engagement parameters through the locking mechanism. Initially, the connector has a smaller effective diameter for easy insertion, but when the locking mechanism is activated, it creates a positive lock that effectively increases the engagement strength and eliminates play, transforming the connection from a loose push-fit to a rigid locked connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If pipe connectors are designed with smaller diameter for easy insertion into pipes, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection precision and tightness deteriorate due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary that compensates for manufacturing tolerances. Instead of relying on precise dimensional matching between the connector and pipe section, the locking mechanism provides a positive engagement feature that ensures accurate positioning and eliminates play, thereby achieving high connection precision without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the basic connector dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional push-fit connections are used to allow variable assembly and disassembly, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability under load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector provides dynamic functionality by allowing easy insertion and withdrawal when the locking mechanism is not engaged, enabling flexible assembly and disassembly. When structural stability is required, the locking mechanism can be activated to create a rigid, load-bearing connection, thus adapting the connection characteristics based on operational requirements.
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 solution provides a robust, secure, and stable connection between pipe sections, allowing for handling as a single unit, significantly reducing wobbling and swaying, and enabling the creation of versatile and flexible furniture and scaffolding structures.
Implementation Method 1
A pipe connection structure featuring a locking mechanism with a bolt tensioning mechanism that securely locks and braces pipe sections together, preventing axial movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connection structure comprising a first component (2) and a second component (5). The first component (2) has a pipe section (21), and the second component (5) is equipped with a pipe section (51) and a pipe connector (7) which extends from one longitudinal end of the pipe section (51) and can be arranged in the pipe section (21) of the first component (2). The pipe section (21) of the first component (2) and the pipe section (51) of the second component (5) lie axially against each other when the pipe connector (7) of the second component (5) is arranged in the pipe section (21) of the first component (2). The pipe connector (7) of the second component (5) is equipped with an actuatable bar clamping mechanism, which is designed to lock and clamp the pipe section (21) of the first component (2) and the pipe section (51) of the second component (5) together when the bar clamping mechanism is actuated while the pipe connector (7) of the second component (5) is arranged in the pipe section (21) of the first component (2).