Vacuum Pipe Fusion Joining for Uniform Pressure at Skewed Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method and apparatus to facilitate the joining of pipes, particularly in confined spaces and at variable angles, to simplify the installation of branch connections in piping systems while ensuring a strong and liquid-tight seal.

Innovation Solution

The method involves heating the mating surfaces of the pipes to their softening temperature and using a vacuum to create negative pressure, which pushes the pipes together, allowing for even pressure distribution and a consistent joint, eliminating the need for manual hand pressure and accommodating skewed angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual hand pressure is applied to join pipes, then the operator can control the joining process, but the pressure distribution is inconsistent and it becomes awkward when pipes are skewed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distribution consistencyVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure application with a vacuum system. A vacuum source creates negative pressure within the pipe cavity, which automatically pushes the pipe ends together with uniform distributed pressure. This eliminates the need for operators to apply hand pressure, solving both the inconsistency of manual pressure application and the awkwardness when pipes are skewed at variable angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum system enables the pipes to self-align and self-pressurize during the joining process. The negative pressure automatically draws the pipe ends into contact and maintains consistent pressure distribution without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in achieving uniform pressure application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If pipes are joined at variable angles in confined spaces, then the installation flexibility is improved, but achieving even pressure distribution becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidpressure distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system replaces manual pressure application, enabling consistent pressure distribution even when pipes are joined at skewed angles or in confined spaces. The vacuum creates uniform negative pressure throughout the pipe cavity, which automatically ensures even pressure distribution at the joint interface regardless of the connection angle or spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the plate is removed after melting, then the pipes can be joined, but the timing of pressure application must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining speedVSAvoidpressure timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system is activated in advance and continues to operate during and after the heating process. By maintaining negative pressure throughout the entire sequence, the system ensures that as soon as the plate is removed and the pipes are in contact, pressure is already applied and distributed evenly, eliminating the need for precise timing control of pressure application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pressure application is continuous throughout the joining process, from heating through plate removal to final joint formation. This uninterrupted pressure application ensures consistent pressure distribution without requiring interruption or precise timing adjustments, maintaining both productivity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach enables the formation of a strong, liquid-tight seal between pipes, even when joined at skewed angles, by ensuring consistent pressure distribution around the periphery of the joint, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pipe connections in piping systems.

Implementation Method 1

heating the distal end of the first pipe and the second pipe with a heater until the distal end(s) of the first pipe and the second pipe have reached a softening temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

creating a negative pressure within a cavity of the first pipe after the contacting step so that the distal end of the first pipe is pushed into the second pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12031657B2Method of joining pipes and apparatus for facilitating the same

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 MORROW ROBERT J

AI summary

An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.