Pipe Coupling Adapter for Weld-Free Multi-Material Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection methods are complex, heavy, and not suitable for all materials or environments, particularly when connecting tubes made of reinforced synthetic resin or in environments where welding is not feasible, and existing connector systems have many parts and are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection device using an adapter element with opposite ends supported on pipe walls, allowing for a form-fitting connection with a fastening element, which can be easily aligned and adapted to different pipe geometries and angular positions, using a cylindrical or rectangular stud with a surface for positioning, and secured with screws through transverse bores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect pipes, then a strong connection is achieved, but complex fixtures are required to hold pipes in defined positions and welding is not possible for reinforced synthetic resin pipes or in certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter element as an intermediary component that connects two pipes without requiring direct welding between them. The adapter element can be inserted into recesses of both pipes and secured with a fastening screw, providing a universal connection method that works for reinforced synthetic resin pipes and in environments where welding is not feasible, while still achieving strong connections.
2Ease of operation
If pipes are designed with internal profile elements containing receptacles for bolting together, then connection is enabled, but the production of profiles becomes more complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into separate components: simple pipes without internal profile elements, recesses formed in the pipe walls, and an external adapter element. This segmentation allows the pipes to be produced simpler and lighter, while the connection functionality is provided by the separate adapter element that bridges the two pipes through the recesses.
3Ease of operation
If push-fit connections are used for pipes, then connection is enabled, but the system has a large number of individual parts and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single adapter element: it serves as the connecting bridge between pipes, provides positioning surfaces for alignment, and incorporates the fastening interface for the screw. This merging reduces the number of individual parts compared to traditional push-fit systems while maintaining ease of connection.
4Ease of manufacture
If a pipe connection device with minimal design effort is provided, then ease of assembly is improved, but adaptability to different pipe geometries and angular positions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter element is designed with universal characteristics: it can be inserted into recesses of pipes with different geometries, and its ability to be aligned at various angles allows adaptation to different angular positions of external elements relative to the pipe. The simple design with opposing ends supported on pipe walls and a fastening screw provides both ease of assembly and versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connection for attaching a pipe (2) to an external element (3) with at least one adapter element (4). This adapter element serves as a support on the pipe for at least one fastening element (5) for attaching the pipe (2) to the external element (3). Opposite ends (6, 7) of the adapter element (4) are supported against surfaces (8, 9) on walls (10, 11) of the pipe (2). At least one end (6) of the adapter element (4) forms a device (12) for positioning the fastening element (5) relative to the external element (3) in interaction with a surface (8, 9).