Pipe Fitting Recess Locking for Pressure-Tight Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting pipe fittings to pipes require expensive specialized tools, which are often unavailable on construction sites, slowing down work progress and lacking a simple, cost-effective solution for creating a secure, gas-tight and liquid-tight connection under pressure.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a pipe connection piece with a recess and tooth arrangement that allows for deformation when actuated by a tool, creating a form-fitting, gas-tight and liquid-tight connection without the need for specialized tools, using a tool with a ring segment and actuating mechanism to ensure secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If press fittings with specialized presses are used to connect pipe fittings to pipes, then a secure gas-tight and liquid-tight connection is achieved, but the cost increases and specialized tools are required that are often unavailable on construction sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtool complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection function from the pipe fitting itself by incorporating a deformable section with integrated locking features. The pipe fitting includes a deformable section that can be deformed by simple tools to create a positive-locking connection, eliminating the need for complex press fittings and specialized pressing tools while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe fitting's deformable section is designed to create its own locking mechanism through deformation. When deformed by a simple tool, the deformable section engages with the pipe to create a positive-locking connection that secures itself without requiring specialized equipment or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If press fittings with specialized presses are used to connect pipe fittings to pipes, then a secure connection is achieved, but the work progress slows down due to tool unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidwork progress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the dependency on specialized press tools by extracting the connection capability into the pipe fitting's deformable section. This allows any simple tool capable of deforming the pipe fitting to create a secure connection, significantly improving work progress while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection mechanism from requiring high-force pressing to requiring controlled deformation. The deformable section is designed to be deformed within specific parameter ranges by simple tools, transforming the connection process into one that improves productivity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a deformable section with positive-locking connection is used, then unintentional separation is prevented and sealing effect is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pipe fitting into distinct functional sections: a rigid connection area with an axial stop, a deformable section with locking features, and a sealing section with an O-ring. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using standard processes while achieving the complex positive-locking connection function, balancing manufacturing simplicity with connection security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the pipe is deformed to create a positive-locking connection, then a safety factor of at least 4 is achieved, but the tool design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety factorVSAvoidtool design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable section is designed to create its own positive-locking connection through deformation. The tool's role is simplified to merely applying the deformation force, while the pipe fitting itself generates the locking mechanism and achieves the safety factor of at least 4, keeping the tool design simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides a secure, reliable connection that prevents accidental separation and maintains a seal under pressures up to 15 bar, with a safety factor of at least 4, using standard operating tools and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one tooth, when the tool is actuated, generates at least one deformation on the pipe that engages in the at least one recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

pressing it against an O-ring seated in a groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3611417B1System for connecting a pipe connecting piece with a pipe
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 KAISAIR UG
  • EP3611417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3611417B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3611417B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system (1) for connecting a pipe fitting (10) to a pipe (50) for conveying a pressurized medium, in particular a gaseous or liquid medium, comprising the pipe fitting (10) having at least one connection area (13) and at least one free end (11), the pipe (50), and a tool (30), wherein the connection area (13) comprises at least one axial stop (14) and at least one recess (20) in a longitudinal axis (5), wherein the pipe (50) can be pushed from the free end (11) onto the at least one connection area (13) of the pipe fitting (10), wherein the tool (30) bears against the at least one axial stop (14) on the pipe fitting (10) and at least partially encompasses the pipe (50) and the at least one connection area (13), wherein the tool (30) comprises at least one tooth (38).which is arranged in the longitudinal axis (5) corresponding to the recess (20), and wherein the at least one tooth (38) produces at least one deformation (55) on the tube (50) when the tool (30) is actuated, which engages in the at least one recess (20).