Pipe Connector With Elastic Member For Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe joint technologies require external tools for installation, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, and often result in poor sealing performance due to incorrect installation or loosening over time.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint structure comprising a joint body, support seat, housing, and elastic member that allows for tool-free assembly and secure connection, utilizing a contraction cavity and elastic member to ensure reliable sealing without the need for pressing tongs or wrenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamp-pressing structure is used for pipe joint, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase due to requirement of special pressing tong
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe joint structure enables self-service installation through the interaction between the contraction cavity and elastic member. When the pipe is inserted, the elastic member is compressed by the contraction cavity and automatically generates rebound force to clamp the pipe, eliminating the need for external pressing tools and reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes of the elastic member under compression. The elastic member transitions from a relaxed state to a compressed state when the pipe is inserted into the contraction cavity, and its rebound force automatically provides the clamping pressure needed for secure connection, converting manual pressing operation into automatic parameter-driven clamping.
2Strength
If nut-engaging structure is used for pipe joint, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and labor intensity increase due to requirement of wrench for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The structure eliminates the need for wrench tightening by using the elastic member's automatic rebound force. The elastic member self-generates clamping pressure when compressed by the contraction cavity during pipe insertion, providing secure connection without external tightening tools or operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the nut component from the connection structure. By replacing the nut-engaging mechanism with an elastic member-based clamping system, the design removes the need for threading, nut installation, and wrench tightening operations, significantly reducing installation complexity and time.
3Reliability
If chamfering of pipe end port is required before insertion, then sealing performance is improved, but installation complexity and risk of leakage increase due to potential forgetting or unqualified cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The contraction cavity is pre-designed with a tapered structure that automatically performs the chamfering function during insertion. The sloped inner wall of the contraction cavity guides the pipe end and creates the necessary chamfer effect as the pipe is pushed in, eliminating the need for separate chamfering operations and reducing leakage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the chamfering function with the insertion process itself. The contraction cavity's tapered geometry combines the guiding, chamfering, and clamping functions into a single structural element, so that the act of inserting the pipe simultaneously performs all preparatory actions needed for proper sealing.
4Strength
If clamp-pressing joint is used, then connection strength is improved, but maintainability worsens because the joint is not detachable and must be cut for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe joint structure is segmented into detachable components: the joint body, support seat, housing, and elastic member. This segmentation allows the elastic member to be accessed and replaced by simply removing the housing, enabling maintenance without cutting the pipe or destroying the joint body, thus improving maintainability while preserving connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables easy replacement of the elastic member when it wears out or fails. The housing can be removed to access and replace the elastic member, allowing the system to recover functionality by replacing only the consumable elastic component rather than discarding the entire joint assembly.
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
Enables quick, easy, and reliable connection of pipes without external tools, maintaining effective sealing performance and simplifying maintenance by ensuring proper installation and preventing loosening.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, sleeved on the outside of the joint body and disposed in the contraction cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A pipe joint structure including a joint body, a support seat, a housing and an elastic member is disclosed. A first end of the support seat is sleeved on the outside of the joint body, a second end of the support seat is disposed to be separated from the joint body, and an accommodating cavity is defined between an inner wall of the support seat and an outer wall of the joint body. A first end of the housing is sleeved on the outside of the support seat and engaged with the support seat, a second end of the housing is disposed beyond the second end of the support seat, so that a contraction cavity is defined between an inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the joint body; an insertion opening through which a pipe can be inserted is defined between the joint body and the second end of the housing. The elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the joint body and disposed in the contraction cavity; a passage through which the pipe can pass is defined between the elastic member and the joint body. In use, the pipe is inserted through the insertion opening, so that the elastic member can be sleeved on the outside of the pipe. When pulling the pipe outward, the elastic member moves along with the pipe and gradually holds the pipe tightly, thereby preventing the pipe from detaching from the pipe joint structure. The pipe joint structure is easy to assemble and use.