Pipe Fitting Structure With Separate Compression and Sealing Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional small-diameter pipe connectors experience shape deformation due to load, angle changes, and external forces, leading to instability in fixing pipes and difficulty in maintaining airtightness.

Innovation Solution

A fitting apparatus with a fitting unit that includes a first body and a second body, each with recessed grooves for a compression member and a sealing member. The compression member is designed to securely fix the pipes, while the sealing member maintains airtightness between the fitting unit and the pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a water stop ring with elasticity is used in conventional small-diameter pipe connectors, then the connector can be simple in configuration, but shape deformation occurs easily due to load and external forces, leading to unstable pipe fixation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector configurationVSAvoidpipe fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid body structure providing structural support, a compression member (independent of the water stop ring) dedicated to pipe fixation, and a sealing member (water stop ring) dedicated to airtightness. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression member is designed to be compressible or deformable under axial load, enabling it to adapt to pipe dimensions and maintain stable fixation. The dynamic compression mechanism allows the rigid body structure to exert controlled force on the pipe through the compression member, ensuring stable pipe fixation while maintaining overall connector simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate fixing apparatus is added to compensate for water stop ring deformation, then pipe fixation stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe fixation stabilityVSAvoidconnector configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of pipe fixation and airtightness are merged into a single integrated connector structure. The compression member and sealing member work together within the same connector body, eliminating the need for separate fixing apparatus while maintaining stable pipe fixation. This integration reduces device complexity and installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector body serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the compression member for pipe fixation, and accommodating the sealing member for airtightness. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate fixing devices, maintaining stability while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the water stop ring is made elastic to fit pipes, then installation ease is improved, but shape deformation occurs under load, compromising airtightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidairtightness maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is separated from the deformation-prone compression function. The sealing member (water stop ring) is positioned downstream from the compression member, in a region less susceptible to deformation. This segmentation allows the sealing member to maintain reliable airtightness while the compression member handles the mechanical load and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression member acts as an intermediary between the rigid body structure and the sealing member. It transmits the compressive force to the pipe while protecting the sealing member from direct deformation, ensuring that the sealing member maintains its shape and airtightness function even under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 fitting apparatus effectively stabilizes pipe fixation and enhances airtightness, eliminating the need for additional fixing devices, thus reducing construction time and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a compression member which is provided in the first recessed groove to compress and fix the first pipe or the second pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a sealing member which is provided in the second recessed groove to maintain airtightness between the fitting unit and the first pipe or between the fitting unit and the second pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4023920B1Fitting apparatus for connecting pipes
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 JUNG WOO METAL IND CO LTD
  • EP4023920B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4023920B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4023920B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A fitting apparatus for connecting pipes according to the present invention includes a fitting unit which includes a first body into which a first pipe is inserted and a second body which is connected to the first body to form a pipe insertion space therein together with the first body and into which a second pipe is inserted, wherein in the first body and the second body, a first recessed groove and a second recessed groove spaced apart inward from the first recessed groove are formed along an inner circumferential surface thereof, respectively, a compression member which is provided in the first recessed groove to compress and fix the first pipe or the second pipe, and a sealing member which is provided in the second recessed groove to maintain airtightness between the fitting unit and the first pipe or between the fitting unit and the second pipe.