Pipe Fitting Seal Protection With Integrated Locking Sleeve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings in the sanitary sector often damage sealing elements when non-calibrated pipe ends are inserted, leading to leaks, and current solutions to prevent this damage are either costly or do not ensure proper pipe alignment.
Innovation Solution
A fitting design featuring a tubular connection piece with a circumferential groove and a radially surrounding protective element that moves axially to protect the sealing element, combined with a securing element for fixation and a display element for visual confirmation of proper pipe alignment, ensuring the sealing element is not damaged even with uncalibrated pipe ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective element is provided to protect the sealing element, then damage to the sealing element can be prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is integrated with the securing element into a single component structure. The securing element has a body portion that forms the protective element, combining two functions (protection and securing) into one element, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sealing element protection
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element serves multiple functions: it secures the pipe end axially through protruding teeth, protects the sealing element through the protective element portion, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall fitting structure
2Reliability
If pipe calibration is required before insertion, then sealing element damage can be prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is positioned in advance to cover the groove and sealing element before pipe insertion. This preliminary protective positioning ensures that even if the pipe is not calibrated, the sealing element is already protected from potential damage during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element acts as an intermediary between the pipe end and the sealing element. It intercepts any potential damage from uncalibrated pipes while still allowing the pipe to be inserted, eliminating the need for calibration as a prerequisite step
3Reliability
If multiple components are provided for protection and securing, then reliability improves, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element and securing element are merged into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining both protection and securing functions
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to perform multiple functions (protection, securing, and structural support) within a single component, reducing the total part count and associated manufacturing and assembly costs
4Ease of operation
If a display element is added for visual confirmation, then the ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display element uses color changes to indicate assembly status. A colored component moves from a first position (not visible) to a second position (visible), providing clear visual feedback without requiring complex electronic or mechanical indication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The display element is integrated with the existing securing element structure. The colored component is part of the securing element assembly, utilizing the same moving mechanism that positions the protective element, thereby adding display functionality without requiring a completely separate mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting (1), particularly for sanitary applications, comprising a base body (2) with at least one tubular connector (3), which serves to slide one end of each pipe onto the fitting. The at least one connector (3) is provided with a circumferential groove (6) in which a sealing element (7) is placed. Radially surrounding the at least one connector (3) is a protective element (17), which, by sliding the end of each pipe onto the fitting, can be axially displaced from a first position, in which the protective element (17) at least partially covers the groove (6) and is in contact with the sealing element (7), to a second position, in which the protective element (17) releases the groove (6) and the contact with the sealing element (7) is broken.Furthermore, a locking element (16) is provided for each tube, which serves to axially fix each tube in its end position when pushed onto at least one connecting piece (3). To reduce manufacturing effort, the protective element (17) is arranged radially inside the locking element (16) and is guided axially displaceably within the locking element (16) between positions.