Pipe Coupling Tightened Through an Opening for Easy Drain Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting means for pipes, particularly drain pipes, face difficulties in installation due to inaccessible positions, limited adjustability, and the inability to easily disassemble or reposition components, especially when dealing with different materials like ABS and stainless steel, which complicates the connection process and leads to potential errors.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves connecting means with a coupling piece and tightening means that can be operated from the accessible side of the opening, using a screw coupling or clamp coupling with an auxiliary tool, allowing for adjustable and easily removable connections, eliminating the need for large access openings and enabling secure sealing and inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional connecting means are used for drain pipes, then the connection can be made, but the installation becomes difficult due to inaccessible positions requiring large access openings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidaccess opening requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tightening means are inverted by placing them on the opposite side of the pipe section, allowing the installer to operate from the accessible side rather than requiring access to the difficult-to-reach side. The auxiliary tool protrudes through the opening to enable tightening operations from the easy-access side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary tool is introduced as an intermediary device that protrudes through the opening to transmit tightening forces. This mediator allows the installer to apply torque from the accessible side while the tightening means act on the pipe section from the opposite side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If parts are cut to size and glued together, then the connection is secure, but the parts cannot be disassembled afterwards and adjustment is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddisassembly capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection transitions from a static, permanent glued joint to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection. The tightening means allow the coupling piece to be securely fastened while maintaining the capability for disassembly and repositioning, enabling both reliable connection and future repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into separate components (coupling piece, tightening means, pipe section) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This replaces the monolithic glued joint with modular elements that maintain security during operation but allow separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive technique is used to connect elements, then the connection is simple, but the installation time is limited and not all materials can be glued together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical tightening means provide a universal connection method that works with all materials, replacing the material-specific adhesive technique. The same tightening mechanism can connect different materials (ABS, stainless steel, etc.) without requiring material-specific adhesives, greatly expanding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives is replaced with a mechanical tightening system. This substitution eliminates material compatibility constraints of adhesives while maintaining connection simplicity through the standardized tightening means that work universally across different materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If gluing is used for connection, then the parts are securely joined, but there is limited time for correct assembly and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The static, time-critical adhesive application is replaced with a dynamic tightening process that allows the installer to work at their own pace. The tightening means can be applied and adjusted without time pressure, as there is no curing time constraint like with adhesives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12072045B2Connecting means for connecting a pipe to a pipe section at an opening, such as, for example, a pipe section at a discharge opening, and a method for connecting a pipe using such connecting means

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 GENIUS BV

AI summary

A connecting system including a coupling piece configured to be fitted over a first end of a pipe section, tightening means configured to tighten and seal the coupling piece against a second end of the pipe section at an opening, and an auxiliary tool configured to act on the tightening means for tightening or loosening the tightening means. The auxiliary tool protrudes through the opening during an act on the tightening means so it is configured to be operated by an installer from a side of the opening opposite a side with the pipe section.