Pipe Connection Sleeve With Seal Protection and Insertion Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection systems for pipes lack effective protection for the sealing device, leading to potential damage from burrs and improper insertion angles, which can result in tilting and uneven sealing.

Innovation Solution

A connection system featuring a sliding device with a protective and display function, where the protective device and display device are positioned in the same direction but not equally, providing enhanced resistance and stability, and incorporating an elastic buffer element or compensation element to manage insertion angles and prevent tilting, along with a clamping device for centering and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective sleeve is provided to cover the sealing device, then the sealing device is protected from burrs, but the protective sleeve is pushed off the sealing device before the pipe engages, failing to fulfill its protective function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of sealing deviceVSAvoidtiming of protective function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding device is pre-positioned in the receiving chamber to cover the sealing device before pipe insertion begins. The device is designed to maintain its protective position throughout the insertion process, preventing burrs from contacting the sealing device while allowing proper pipe engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding device acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the pipe end and the sealing device. It is designed to interact with the pipe during insertion, maintaining its protective function while allowing the pipe to engage properly with the connection assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the pipe is not properly deburred after cutting, then insertion is easier, but the sealing device is damaged by burrs during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe insertionVSAvoidsealing device integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding device is positioned in advance to prevent the harmful effect of burrs from reaching the sealing device. By creating a physical barrier before insertion occurs, the system protects the sealing device without requiring perfect pipe preparation, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If the pipe is inserted at an angle, then insertion speed increases, but the sliding device tilts and the sealing unit is pushed out unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidalignment of sealing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic buffer element is provided at the end of the sliding device facing the pipe. This buffer element absorbs and distributes forces from angled insertion, preventing the sliding device from tilting and ensuring the sealing unit remains evenly positioned. The cushioning effect maintains stability even when pipes are inserted at angles, allowing faster insertion without compromising alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Force

If the protective device and indicator device are connected operationally in a one-piece design, then the mass increases providing more resistance, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to tube during insertionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective device (sliding device) and indicator device are merged into a single operational unit. The sliding device incorporates both the protective sealing function and the indication function, with the indicator ring integrated into the sliding device structure. This merging increases the overall mass for better resistance during insertion while the integrated design actually reduces complexity compared to separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively protects the sealing device from damage, ensures proper insertion, and maintains stability even with angled pipes, preventing tilting and ensuring uniform sealing by distributing forces effectively.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic buffer element can be provided at the end of the sliding device facing the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the sealing device be radially compressed by the sliding device in the groove when in the assembly-ready position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3679286B1Connecting arrangement for pipes
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 FRANKISCHE ROHRWERKE GEBR KIRCHNER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3679286B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3679286B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3679286B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting arrangement (100) for connecting an associated pipe (102), comprising a support body (104) and an outer sleeve (108), and a clamping device (112) with at least one clamping element (112b), an indicator device (118), which can be transferred by the pipe (102) into an indicating position in which it is aligned with at least one opening (108a) provided in the outer sleeve (108), and a seal unit (110), which is received in a groove (104c) of the support body (104). According to the invention, the connecting arrangement (100) furthermore comprises a protective device (116), which covers the seal unit (110) in an installation readiness position in the groove (104c) and which is operationally connected to the indicator device (116) to form a disk device (114).