Pipe Joint Assembly With Friction Feedback for Mounting Position Check

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pipe joint assemblies are complex to manufacture and require specific materials, making it difficult to quickly and accurately determine if pipe stocks are properly mounted, which affects sealing and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A pipe joint assembly featuring a first concave-convex structure on the guiding sleeve and a second concave-convex structure on the connecting body, allowing for interference fit and generating a frictional sound when rotated, ensuring proper positioning without complex processing or material restrictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods (peephole, scale mark, transparent material) are used to determine mounting position, then mounting position can be observed, but the processing becomes complicated and material selection is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position determinationVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical methods (peephole, transparent material) and measurement markings with a mechanical feedback system. The concave-convex structures create mechanical interference that generates audible frictional sounds and vibration sensations, providing mounting position determination through acoustic and tactile feedback rather than visual observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the inherent friction and vibration properties of the interfering concave-convex structures to automatically indicate mounting position. No additional marking, transparency, or observation mechanism is needed - the mounting determination function is self-generated through the mechanical interaction between the guiding sleeve and connecting body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to determine mounting position, then mounting position can be determined, but material selection is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position determinationVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing material-dependent optical methods with mechanical friction-based acoustic feedback, the system becomes independent of material transparency and optical properties. The frictional sound generation mechanism works with various materials as long as they can produce the characteristic scratching sound during rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the guiding sleeve rotates relative to the connecting body, then frictional sound and vibration feeling are generated to indicate proper mounting, but additional processing structures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position feedbackVSAvoidprocessing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism is segmented into two independent components: concave structures on the guiding sleeve and convex structures on the connecting body. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together to create the interference pattern, simplifying the overall manufacturing while providing the desired operational feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables quick and accurate determination of pipe stock positioning, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances market competitiveness by ensuring proper sealing and mounting without additional processing or material constraints.

Implementation Method 1

the first and second structures are relatively scratched to generate a frictional sound and a vibration feeling when the guiding sleeve moves relative to the connecting body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the first and second structures are relatively scratched to generate a frictional sound and a vibration feeling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3633259B1Pipe fitting joint assembly
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 RIFENG ENTERPRISE FOSHAN CO LTD
  • EP3633259B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3633259B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3633259B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A pipe fitting joint assembly, comprising: a guide sleeve (12), provided with a first concave-convex structure (121) on the outer wall of one end thereof; a connecting body (11), provided with a second concave-convex structure (111) on the inner walls of both ends thereof; and an inner gear ring (23), provided with a third concave-convex structure (231) on an inner ring thereof and a fourth concave-convex structure (240) on an outer ring thereof. The inner gear ring (23) is concentrically inserted into the connecting body (11); the fourth concave-convex structure (240) and the second concave-convex structure (111) are in interference fit; the guide sleeve (12) is concentrically inserted into the inner ring gear (23) of the connecting body (11); and the first concave-convex structure (121) and the fourth concave-convex structure (240) are in clearance fit therebetween using a moving interference manner. During use, the guide sleeve and the inner gear ring rotate relative to each other, and the first concave-convex structure and the third concave-convex structure scrape against each other due to movement interference, thus generating friction sound and a vibrating feeling when touched by a hand. A user may thus determine whether a pipe is installed correctly by listening for a friction sound and feeling for vibration.