Pipe Connector With Interlocking Teeth And Conical Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard connection fittings fail to securely connect small diameter secondary pipes to larger main supply pipes due to diameter differences, leading to potential leaks under pressure and risk of damage during transport or handling.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism comprising a collar and plunger with barbed connections and conical surfaces, featuring teeth and slots that secure the connection through friction and sealing engagement, allowing for secure and leak-tight connections while minimizing protrusion and risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard plastic collar connector is pushed into a standard plunger connector held by friction, then the connection can be assembled, but the collar may slide out under long term pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is pre-formed with teeth that engage with slots in the plunger before final assembly. This preliminary configuration of interlocking features ensures that when the collar is pushed into the plunger, the teeth immediately engage to prevent sliding, rather than relying solely on friction that develops after assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar and plunger incorporate conical surfaces that create a tapered engagement geometry. This curved, conical interface provides progressive engagement as the collar is inserted, allowing the teeth to seat firmly into the slots and distribute pressure evenly, preventing the collar from sliding out under long-term pressure while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the plunger protrudes from the surface of the main supply pipe, then the collar can be connected to the secondary pipe, but there is a great risk of damaging the connector during transport or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to nest within or alongside the plunger in a compact configuration. When not in use or during transport, the collar can be positioned to minimize protrusion, with the interlocking teeth and conical surfaces allowing it to sit flush or recessed relative to the main pipe surface, reducing exposure to damage while maintaining connection functionality.
3Productivity
If the collar is secured by friction alone, then the connection can be made quickly, but the connection is not secure under long term pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking teeth and slots are pre-configured on the collar and plunger respectively, so that during the quick assembly process, the teeth automatically engage with the slots as the collar is inserted. This preliminary configuration of mechanical interlocking features ensures that the connection gains immediate structural strength beyond friction alone, while still allowing for rapid assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical surfaces on the collar and plunger create a tapered engagement geometry that provides progressive mechanical interlocking. As the collar is inserted, the conical surfaces guide the teeth into the slots and create increasing engagement force, distributing the load across a larger contact area. This curved interface maintains connection strength under long-term pressure while allowing for quick, tool-free 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
Ensures a safe, leak-tight, and durable connection that withstands long-term pressure and handling, reducing the risk of damage during transport and rearrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the elasticity of the secondary pipe together with the tooth of the standard barbed connection ensures a safe and leak tight connection
Implementation Method 2
the elasticity of the secondary pipe together with the tooth of the standard barbed connection ensures a safe and leak tight connection
Implementation Method 3
the same pressure is also exerted to the two conical surfaces, thus creating a sealing engagement between these connecting surfaces
Implementation Method 4
the same pressure is also exerted to the two conical surfaces, thus creating a sealing engagement between these connecting surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly and method for connecting a small diameter secondary pipe (typically about 6mm) to a main supply pipe (typically about 20-40 mm), ensuring leak tightness and safety. The assembly of the invention allows for two alternative orientations and, thus, for various embodiments.