Thermoplastic Pipe Connection Kit Integrating Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection kits face challenges in manufacturing ease and reliability due to separate processes for elastic tongues and large gaps between adapter pieces and connection sockets, leading to sealing problems and complex connection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The pipe connection kit features spigot ends with locking pins that deform the connecting sleeve ovalty, allowing snap-fit engagement without external locking devices, enabling easy straight-line connection and reduced sealing issues, with adaptable design for various diameters and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic tongues are used for locking adapter pieces to connection sockets, then reliable connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to separate manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function previously performed by separate elastic tongues is merged into the adapter piece itself through integrally formed locking pins. The locking pins are directly molded as part of the adapter piece body, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter piece becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own locking mechanism (locking pins) directly into its structure. The locking pins are formed as integral parts of the adapter piece, allowing the adapter to perform both its connection function and locking function without requiring additional components or complex manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If locking devices are added to connection sockets, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity and sealing problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding locking devices to the connection socket (the receiving component), the locking function is inverted and placed on the spigot end of the adapter piece (the inserting component). The locking pins on the adapter piece engage with corresponding features in the connection socket, reversing the traditional approach and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the connection socket and transferred to the adapter piece. This removes the complexity from the connection socket design while maintaining the locking function, allowing the socket to remain simple and focused on its primary sealing and receiving functions.
3Ease of operation
If large gaps are formed between adapter piece and connection socket, then assembly ease improves, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap size parameter is optimized to a minimal value through the integration of locking pins that engage closely with the connection socket. The locking pins are positioned and dimensioned to maintain minimal clearance, ensuring both easy assembly and effective sealing by eliminating the need for large compensating gaps.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate manufacturing processes are used for locking components, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are merged with the adapter piece body and manufactured in a single injection molding process. This integration eliminates multiple manufacturing steps, reduces assembly operations, and significantly improves production efficiency while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different connection requirements through design variations.
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing process, ensures reliable connections with reduced play, and enhances sealing performance by allowing easy release and adaptation to different diameters, while maintaining a circular cross-sectional shape for effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting sleeve is slightly ovally deformed by the locking pins until they snap into the diametrically opposite locking openings, with the connecting sleeve elastically deforming back into its circular cross-sectional shape
Implementation Method 2
When the spigot end of the adapter piece is pushed into the connection socket of the pipe connection element, the sealing elements arranged at the spigot end do not come into contact with locking devices
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connection kit made of thermoplastic material comprises a pipe connection element (1) with connecting sockets (2, 3, 4) into which the spigot ends (19, 20) of adapter pieces (15, 16) can be inserted. Locking pins (62) are provided on the spigot ends (19, 20) which can be engaged in corresponding locking openings, with an insertion groove (61) leading to the locking opening.