Pipe Coupling Assembly With Removable Sealing Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices are not removable, requiring the replacement of the entire device when a tubular insert fails, leading to high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a tubular body and a tool featuring a flexible blade and transverse passage allows the insertion of the blade between the tubular insert and retaining lug to lift the retaining lug, enabling the extraction of the insert without degrading the device, using a flexible blade that deforms to follow the rounded shape of the insert and forms a ramp for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection device uses a retaining tab to securely hold the tubular insert, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire device must be replaced when the insert fails
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separable components: the body with retaining tabs and the tubular insert. The retaining tabs are designed to be independently removable from the body, allowing the insert to be extracted and replaced without replacing the entire connection device. This segmentation enables repair of individual components while maintaining the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular insert is extracted as a separate removable component from the connection device body. The retaining tabs are designed to release the insert, allowing it to be taken out and replaced independently. This extraction principle enables maintenance of the insert without discarding the entire connection device.
2Strength
If the retaining tab is designed to securely engage the tubular insert, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the insert cannot be removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining tabs are designed with elastic properties, allowing them to dynamically change their engagement state. During normal operation, they provide strong secure engagement. During maintenance, they can be elastically deformed to release the insert, enabling removal without compromising the strength of the connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the retaining tabs is changed from a locked engaged position to a released position through elastic deformation. This parameter change allows the tabs to transition between providing strong retention and allowing easy removal, depending on the operational phase.
3Ease of repair
If a rigid blade is used to lift the retaining tab, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases and the blade may twist around the insert axis
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible blade is used instead of a rigid tool to lift the retaining tab. The flexibility of the blade allows it to conform to the rounded shape of the tubular insert, preventing it from twisting around the insert axis while still providing sufficient leverage to lift the retaining tab for removal.
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
This solution allows for the removal of tubular inserts without damaging the device, reducing maintenance costs and enabling the reuse of components, thus minimizing the need for full device replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a relatively flexible blade that can deform to pass more easily between the tubular insert and the retaining tab by more or less conforming to the rounded shape of the tubular insert
Implementation Method 2
the blade and the passage are arranged so that the introduction of the blade causes it to twist around its longitudinal axis to form a ramp for lifting the retaining tab by disengaging it when the tubular insert is extracted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Assembly for coupling fluid conveying pipes, comprising a coupling device (1) and a tool (50) for disconnecting the device, the coupling device comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one end portion (21) in which there is engaged a sealing tubular connection insert (100) designed to be secured in a sealed manner to a pipe (T), the body comprising at least one retaining tab (3) pressed elastically behind an external cutout (104) of the tubular insert in order to oppose extraction of the tubular insert, at least one annular sealing element (108, 109) extending between the tubular insert and the end portion of the body. According to the invention, the tool comprises a flexible blade (51) and the body comprises a transverse passage (4) opening on the one hand to the outside of the body and on the other hand to one side of the retaining tab in order to allow the blade to be inserted between the tubular insert and the retaining tab in order to lift the retaining tab on its width so as to separate the cutout and the retaining tab and allow the tubular insert to be extracted.