Pipe Connector Asymmetry for Assembly Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors fail to reliably indicate incorrect assembly, leading to potential separation during operation due to vibration, which can remain undetected during a leak test.
Innovation Solution
Designing the pipe connector with a pivot axis aligned substantially at right angles to the axial direction of the pipe sections, featuring a lower and upper motion link that clasps the connection flanges only when properly assembled, ensuring that an incorrectly assembled connector will fail a pressure test by not exerting axial forces when not closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the two legs are not firmly fixed to one another, then the pipe connection may separate during operation due to vibration, but it is not evident that the pipe connector has been assembled incorrectly during a leak test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure test system provides immediate feedback about assembly correctness. When the pipe connector is not properly assembled (legs not firmly fixed), the pressure test detects this through the lack of proper sealing or structural integrity, making the assembly error evident during testing rather than allowing undetected operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connector design allows the assembly itself to indicate its own correctness through the pressure test. The structural configuration where legs must be firmly fixed creates a self-evident test condition - if the legs are not properly fixed, the pressure test automatically reveals the assembly error through failure to maintain proper connection during testing
2Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is aligned parallel to the axial direction of the pipe sections, then the legs can clasp the connection flanges, but the pipe connector cannot reliably indicate incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the pivot axis, aligning it substantially at right angles to the axial direction of the pipe sections rather than parallel. This asymmetric configuration creates a mechanical advantage where proper assembly (firmly fixed legs) produces a detectable difference during pressure testing, while incorrect assembly fails to achieve the proper geometric relationship needed for reliable connection
3Force
If the upper motion link is not fastened to the lower motion link, then the pipe connector exerts very minor axial forces, but the incorrect assembly remains undetected during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the assembly to be correctly configured before operation begins. The pressure test serves as a preliminary verification step that detects improper assembly (where upper motion link is not fastened to lower motion link) before the connector is put into service, preventing undetected operation with insufficient axial force
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary anti-action by creating a configuration where incorrect assembly (unfastened motion links) inherently produces a negative outcome during pressure testing. The lack of proper fastening results in insufficient axial force that immediately fails the pressure test, preventing the connector from operating in an incorrect state
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connector (18) for connecting a first pipe section (20) and a second pipe section (22), each of which has a connecting flange ()24, 32. In order to render incorrect assembly of the pipe connector evident, it is suggested that the pipe connector (18) has a lower motion link (40) and an upper motion link (42), which are retained so as to be pivotable towards one another about a pivot axis (44), that the lower motion link (40) has a lower seating (48) for one of the pipe sections (20, 22), that the lower motion link (40) has a bearing surface (66) for the connection flange (24) of the first pipe section (20), that the upper motion link (42) has an upper seating (72) for the other of the pipe sections (22), that the upper motion link (42) has a bearing surface (82) for the connection flange (32) of the second pipe section (22), that the pivot axis (44) extends substantially at right angles to an axial direction of the lower seating (48) and the upper seating (72) for the pipe sections (20, 22), and that in a closed state the bearing surface (66) of the lower motion link (40) faces the bearing surface (82) of the upper motion link (42), so that the connection flanges (24, 32) of the two pipe sections (20, 22) can be clasped.