Water Pipe Fitting with Color-Change Insertion Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for connecting water pipes, particularly composite pipes, lack reliable visual indicators for ensuring complete insertion, which can lead to leaks if the pipe end is not fully inserted, especially in poorly lit or hard-to-see locations.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a control means that changes color or contrast visible through a window on the lateral surface, ensuring complete insertion can be visually confirmed, featuring a ring-shaped or L-shaped control mechanism that locks into a precise position, providing high plug-in security and protection against corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control means is provided to indicate complete insertion, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means utilizes color change or contrast change to visually indicate the insertion state of the pipe end. When the pipe end is completely inserted, the control means transitions from a first state to a second state, creating a clearly visible color or contrast difference that can be easily observed through the window on the lateral surface of the outer part.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means acts as an intermediary element between the pipe end insertion process and the visual indication system. It translates the mechanical position of the pipe end into a visible optical signal, allowing operators to confirm proper insertion without complex measurement devices.
2Ease of operation
If the control means is visible through a window on the lateral surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indication system transitions from axial viewing (along the length of the fitting) to radial viewing (through the lateral surface window). This dimensional change allows operators to inspect the insertion status from the side rather than requiring direct axial line-of-sight, making inspection easier in various installation positions while the window is positioned to align with the control means at the fully inserted position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the control means is locked in position, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means is designed to automatically lock into position based on the insertion depth of the pipe end itself. As the pipe end is inserted, it directly actuates the control means to transition to the locked second position, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or additional actuating components.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The fitting has at least one connector (12) onto which a pipe end (2) can be pushed, an outer sleeve (7) enclosing the connector and forming a gap (20) with the connector into which the pipe end can be pushed with a linear pushing movement, a clamping ring (18) in the gap and a toothed ring with teeth that dig into the pipe end surface. The toothed ring and the clamping ring are irreversibly joined to form a one-piece unit. At least one spring element arranged on the leading end of the clamping ring is not engaged with the inserted pipe end.