Pipe joint cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of flaring in conventional pipe joints for refrigerant pipes varies depending on the operator, leading to inconsistent connection quality, which is difficult to stabilize.

Innovation Solution

A pipe joint cover with a gauge function that sets the insertion length of the refrigerant pipe into the cap nut, ensuring accurate connection by marking the required length and preventing foreign matter intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flaring is used to connect refrigerant pipes, then the connection can be made, but the accuracy varies depending on the operator leading to inconsistent quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection quality consistencyVSAvoidflaring accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe joint system performs its own measurement and positioning function through the integrated gauge. The gauge automatically determines the correct insertion depth of the refrigerant pipe into the cap nut, eliminating the need for operator judgment or manual measurement, thereby ensuring consistent connection quality regardless of operator skill level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual flaring process with a mechanical insertion system guided by the gauge. Instead of relying on operator skill to perform flaring, the system uses the gauge to mechanically control the insertion depth, substituting human skill with a deterministic mechanical guidance system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a gauge is added to the pipe joint cover, then the insertion length can be accurately controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion length accuracyVSAvoidpipe joint cover structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gauge is merged with the pipe joint cover to form an integrated assembly. The gauge and cover work together as a single unit, where the gauge is positioned within or on the cover structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate measurement tools and simplifies the overall system while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe joint cover is given multiple functions: it protects the pipe joint and simultaneously serves as a housing for the gauge mechanism. The gauge itself performs both measurement and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016110A1Pipe joint cover

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

A pipe joint cover detachably attached to a joint body of a pipe joint includes a gauge that sets an insertion length of a refrigerant pipe into a cap nut of the pipe joint. The refrigerant pipe is coupled to the cap nut.