Pipe Connection Unit with Snap-Lock Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection methods for pipelines, especially in the drinking water sector, are complex, require tools for assembly, and do not meet the sealing requirements for drinking water approval, leading to instability and ease of loosening under vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit featuring a plug-in and socket unit with a cylindrical collar and flanges, secured by a locking ring formed from identical half-shells that snap together, ensuring axial fixation and preventing axial displacement, allowing for quick and tool-free assembly while meeting DVGW W 534 approval standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connection is used to connect pipeline components, then the connection can be securely fastened, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires tools and sealing compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a plug-in unit with external threading and a receiving unit with internal threading. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for complex sealing procedures while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the threaded connection elements. This separate sealing element simplifies the assembly process by pre-providing sealing functionality without requiring complex sealing compounds or multi-step procedures, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection security
2Reliability
If threaded connection with sealing compound is used, then sealing is achieved, but additional materials and tools are required increasing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the threaded connection structure by incorporating a sealing element that is either integrated into the connection components or positioned within the connection assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing compounds and application procedures, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to automatically perform its sealing function when the threaded connection is assembled, without requiring additional materials or complex procedures. The connection structure itself facilitates the sealing action, making the system self-sufficient and simplifying the assembly process
3Ease of operation
If coupling ring connection is used for pipe joining, then assembly is simplified, but the connection requires screws and can loosen under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The connection components are pre-designed with integrated threading and positioning features that guide proper alignment and engagement. This preliminary design ensures that the connection achieves proper engagement without requiring screws or additional fastening elements, maintaining assembly ease while preventing loosening under vibrations through precise geometric constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-based fastening system is replaced with a threaded insertion mechanism where the external threads on the plug-in unit engage with internal threads on the receiving unit. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for screws while providing vibration-resistant connection through the self-locking nature of the threaded engagement combined with the sealing element
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 connection unit provides a secure, tight, and modular connection that withstands pressure and tensile tests, is cost-effective, and prevents unauthorized disassembly, while allowing for easy assembly without tools.
Implementation Method 1
an insertion element of the snap lock is arranged at one end of the half-shell and a receiving element of the snap lock is arranged at the other end of the half-shell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Connection unit for connecting pipeline components, in particular connection elements, comprising a plug-in unit and a corresponding receiving unit, wherein the plug-in and receiving units are formed integrally with the pipeline components to be connected, wherein the plug-in unit is designed as a cylindrical collar whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the receiving unit and which can be plugged into one another, wherein a sealing element is arranged on the outer circumference of the cylindrical collar of the plug-in unit or on the inner circumference of the receiving unit, wherein a flange is arranged on the plug-in unit and on the receiving unit, respectively, wherein the flange on the plug-in unit faces...is arranged behind the cylindrical collar and the flange is arranged on the receiving unit at the end face, wherein, when the insertion and receiving unit are connected, the flanges lie against each other at their end faces, a retaining ring for axial fixation of the connected insertion and receiving unit, wherein the retaining ring consists of two identical half-shells, wherein the half-shells enclose the flanges lying against each other at their end faces, wherein the half-shells are connected to each other with a snap lock, wherein an insertion element of the snap lock and a receiving element of the snap lock are arranged at one end of the half-shell.