Single-Piece Pipe Connector With Pass-Through and Fewer Welds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural connections for pipes and tubes are costly, aesthetically unpleasing, and require excessive welds and nuts, while also lacking a pass-through feature for items like cables and pipes.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece machined aluminum structural connector with circular ends and a center hole, featuring alignment dowels and threaded holes that eliminate the need for nuts and reduce welds, allowing for secure connection and passage of items through the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flange plates larger than pipes are used for structural connection, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the structural connection function and the pass-through function into a single integrated connector piece. The connector includes a body with a through-hole for passing items and connection features (such as flanges or mounting surfaces) for structural attachment, eliminating the need for separate flange plates and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between pipes, maintains alignment through its rigid structure, and creates a passageway for cables or other items through its central through-hole. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Strength
If cast connections with numerous large welds are used, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connection features into a single molded or extruded connector body, eliminating the need for multiple separate welding operations. The connector can be manufactured as one piece with integrated flanges, mounting surfaces, and through-holes, significantly reducing fabrication steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing method from welding and assembly to molding or extrusion processes. This parameter change in the fabrication process allows for faster production and lower costs while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid, precisely-formed connector geometry.
3Strength
If traditional connections with multiple components are used, then structural strength is improved, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate components (flange plates, alignment dowels, fasteners, and connector bodies) into a single integrated connector piece. This merging eliminates redundant materials and reduces the total amount of material required while maintaining all necessary structural functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with functional segmentation within a unified structure - distinct zones for structural attachment, alignment features, and pass-through functionality are integrated into one piece. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution without requiring separate components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If connections with longer dimensions are used, then structural stability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines structural stability features with aesthetic considerations by integrating all connection functions into a compact, streamlined connector body. The unified design eliminates the appearance of multiple separate components and long外露 connections, creating a cleaner visual profile while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A single piece structural connector is provided that includes a single machined aluminum piece having first and second circular ends including a plurality of bolt holes and a center hole. The connector also includes an alignment dowel positioned on the center hole. The alignment dowel is configured to tightly fit into a center hole of a pipe plate.