Pipe Coupling Groove Through Opening for Friction Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of the welded joint between pipes and pipe couplings in vehicle fuel systems is often inadequate, leading to leaks that can only be detected after a certain operating period, posing a risk of fluid leakage and joint weakening.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a through opening in the groove of the pipe coupling that connects to the surroundings, allowing enclosed air to escape during friction welding, thereby preventing vacuole formation and ensuring a higher quality weld by ensuring air does not negatively affect the weld region and facilitating quick temperature achievement for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pipe is welded into the groove of the pipe coupling, then a firm connection is achieved, but enclosed air during friction welding creates vacuoles that weaken the welded joint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful enclosed air from the groove by creating a through-opening that allows air to escape during the friction welding process. The opening provides an escape path for air that would otherwise be trapped between the pipe and pipe coupling, preventing vacuole formation and improving weld quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled porous structure by forming a through-opening in the pipe coupling. This opening acts as a deliberate void that allows air to pass through during welding, converting the harmful effect of trapped air into a beneficial air escape pathway that prevents vacuole formation in the weld zone.
2Reliability
If a through opening is added to the groove, then air can escape during welding improving joint quality, but the region for contact between pipe and pipe coupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air entrapment during welding into a beneficial outcome by designing a through-opening that deliberately allows air to escape. The opening transforms the problem of air interference into a controlled air egress pathway, improving weld quality while accepting a minimal reduction in contact area.
3Ease of manufacture
If friction welding is used to connect the pipe and pipe coupling, then assembly is facilitated, but the quality of the welded joint is often inadequate leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful enclosed air from the groove by creating a through-opening that allows air to escape during the friction welding process. The opening provides an escape path for air that would otherwise be trapped between the pipe and pipe coupling, preventing vacuole formation and improving weld quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-opening acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the friction welding process and the enclosed air. It provides a controlled pathway for air to escape, allowing the friction welding process to proceed effectively without the harmful interference of trapped air, thus bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and joint quality.
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
The solution enhances the quality of the welded joint, reduces the risk of leaks, and allows for visual inspection of incorrect welds, providing a mechanical anchoring and enabling automatic inquiries like depth measurements for quality control.
Implementation Method 1
For welding, so-called friction welding is often used, in which the pipe coupling is rotated in the groove with respect to the pipe. The frictional heat thereby produced melts the material of the pipe and/or the pipe coupling so that a connection by adhesive force between the pipe and the pipe coupling results.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe arrangement includes a pipe and a pipe coupling having on a front face a peripheral groove with a groove bottom. The pipe is insertable within the groove and weldable to the pipe coupling. At least one through opening structured and arranged to connect the groove to the surroundings of the pipe coupling.