Pipe Joint Cover Sealing for Variable Diameter Insulated Pipes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing covering devices for thermally insulated pipes require multiple variants of external sealing elements to accommodate different pipe diameters, leading to increased inventory needs and prolonged installation times.

Innovation Solution

A covering device with an elastic external sealing element that can be cut to fit various pipe diameters, combined with hinge elements and a bellows design for adaptability, allowing quick assembly and reduced inventory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of external sealing elements are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then the adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but the inventory requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidinventory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external sealing element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters through a single standardized design, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific variants and reducing inventory complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The external sealing element incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to adapt its dimensions or configuration during installation to fit different pipe diameters, transforming a static multi-variant system into a dynamic single-variant system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple variants of external sealing elements are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then the adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized universal external sealing element eliminates the time-consuming process of selecting and transporting the correct size variant, as a single design works for all pipe diameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The external sealing element is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms or universal dimensions that allow immediate adaptation to different pipe sizes without requiring preliminary selection or customization steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the passage area of the external sealing element is cut to length to adapt to different pipe diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The external sealing element is designed with pre-defined segmentation or modular sections that can be easily trimmed or adjusted to different lengths, simplifying the cutting process while maintaining adaptability to various pipe diameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates parameter variations that allow simple dimensional adjustments through cutting, where the base design remains standardized but can be easily modified to specific dimensions through straightforward manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables universal applicability across different pipe diameters, reducing storage needs and installation time while maintaining fluid-tight connections.

Implementation Method 1

The use of the elastic material alone makes the external sealing element suitable to a certain extent for different outside diameters of the pipe end sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4384745B1Cover device for covering a connection point of media-conducting pipe end sections

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 REHAU IND SE & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover device (1) for covering a connection point (2) of two or more media-carrying pipe end sections (4, 4', 4"), wherein the cover device (1) comprises a plurality of cover elements which can be connected to one another and which can be mounted around the connection point (2) in order to form a pipe casing accommodating the connection point (2), wherein the cover device (1) comprises at least one pipe covering section (11, 11 ', 11") associated with a pipe end section (4, 4', 4") with an outer sealing element (20, 20', 20") arranged at the end for sealing the cover device (1) in relation to the pipe end section (4, 4', 4"), wherein the outer sealing element (20, 20', 20") comprises an end region (21) and a guide-through region (22) for guiding through the pipe end section (4, 4', 4"), wherein, according to the invention, the cover device (1) is also characterised in that the outer sealing element (20, 20', 20") is formed from an elastic material and the guide-through region (22) of the outer sealing element (20, 20', 20") can be adapted to outer diameter of the pipe end section (4, 4', 4") to be guided through the outer sealing element (20, 20', 20").