Three-Way Pipe Connector for Variable-Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connectors for central heating systems, particularly in geothermal systems, are cumbersome and difficult to install, and they do not provide a tight seal for pipes of different diameters, which complicates the connection process and leads to heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A three-way pipe connector set comprising a T-shape or Y-shape configuration with a mating pair of lid and bottom pieces, top hat pieces, and pipe gaskets that accommodate pipes of varying diameters, ensuring a tight seal through semi-circular edge portions, O-ring grooves, and fastening means like bolts and nuts, allowing for flexible size adaptation and insulation integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pipe connectors are used, then the connection structure is simple, but the installation process is cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate half-circular pieces that are assembled together to form a complete circular connector. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation while maintaining structural integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between installation ease and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector pieces are designed to nest together with interlocking features, where one half-circular piece fits into the other to form a complete circular structure. This nesting mechanism simplifies the assembly process and reduces installation complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then the connector design is straightforward, but they do not provide a tight seal for pipes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates adjustable positioning elements and sealing components that can be locally adjusted to match different pipe diameters. This allows the connector to provide a tight seal at specific contact points while accommodating variations in pipe size, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector includes adjustable and movable components that can be modified during installation to adapt to different pipe diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the connector to maintain a tight seal across various pipe sizes, simultaneously achieving reliability and versatility.
3Loss of energy
If conventional connectors are used, then the connector structure is simple, but heat loss occurs due to inadequate insulation integration
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design integrates insulation components directly into the connector structure, merging the sealing function with thermal insulation. This combination reduces heat loss at the connection point while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connectors for different pipe sizes are used, then pipes of various diameters can be connected, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters through adjustable features and interchangeable elements. This multi-functionality allows a single connector design to serve various pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized connectors, maintaining installation simplicity while achieving broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-way pipe connector set for connecting pipes such as corrugated insulated pipes used for transporting hot water such as in central heating systems. The connector set can accommodate pipes of different diameter, and comprises a mating pair of a lid piece and bottom piece, each having three semi-circular edge portions that mate with the respective corresponding portions in the mating piece to form circular holes, the circular holes having adjacent edge grooves forming circular grooves when the pieces mate. The set includes at least two top hat pieces, each comprising a cylinder portion and a flange portion, the flange portion having an edge groove to fit an O-ring and configured to fit in a circular groove of the connector. Pipe gaskets are provided for each top hat piece that fit around a suitable pipe to form a tight seal between the pipe and connector.