Pipe Joint Visual Connection Confirmation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints for flexible pipes in gas piping systems fail to provide reliable long-term sealing and visual confirmation of proper connection, especially in narrow or dark environments, leading to potential operational errors.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design featuring a resilient means that expands to seal the connection, an engaging mechanism with tapered grooves and a stop ring, and a detachable indicator ring that appears after connection confirmation, allowing visual verification of proper connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a click action mechanism is used to indicate connection, then connection status can be sensed temporarily, but an operation manager cannot determine from the appearance of the pipe joint after connection whether a normal operation has been conducted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a colored indicator ring that changes its visibility state to indicate connection status. When the pipe is properly connected, the indicator ring becomes visible through a transparent cover, providing clear visual confirmation. This resolves the contradiction by transforming a temporary tactile click sensation into a persistent visual signal that maintains information about connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent cover as an intermediary element that allows the indicator ring's status to be visually transmitted to the operation manager. This mediator bridges the gap between the internal connection mechanism and the external observer, enabling visual confirmation without compromising the sealing or connection integrity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a transparent or translucent protection cover is attached to allow observation, then the pipe tip end can be observed through the hole, but a worker or operation manager cannot confirm in a narrow, dark connecting site whether a normal connection has been conducted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a brightly colored indicator ring that provides high visual contrast, making it easily detectable even in narrow, dark connecting sites. The color change or visibility change of the indicator ring serves as a clear signal that does not depend on ambient lighting conditions, resolving the contradiction between observation difficulty and lighting intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent cover acts as an optical intermediary that transmits light and visual information from the indicator ring to the observer's eye. This allows the indicator to be visible even in low-light conditions by maximizing the use of available light and providing a focused visual target that is easier to detect than general illumination would provide.
3Ease of operation
If a longitudinal hole is provided in the joint body for introducing an identification pin, then connection confirmation is enabled, but the pipe joint becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the indicator ring serve multiple functions: it acts as both a visual indicator of connection status and a structural component integrated into the joint body. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification pins and longitudinal holes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection confirmation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the identification function from the joint body structure itself and concentrates it into a separate, simple indicator ring component. This allows the main joint body to remain simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while the indicator ring provides the necessary confirmation function without requiring costly modifications to the joint body structure.
4Ease of operation
If packing is pressed by the flexible pipe to expand longitudinally, then connection is achieved, but the sealing pressure is likely to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into multiple components: the packing material, the pressing nut, and the indicator ring system. This segmentation allows the packing to be compressed radially by the pressing nut to maintain sealing pressure, while the indicator ring provides visual confirmation of proper compression. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the connection ease function from the sealing pressure maintenance function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual feedback through the indicator ring that confirms to the operator whether the packing has been properly compressed to achieve both easy connection and adequate sealing pressure. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify that the connection process has been performed correctly, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability of sealing.
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
Ensures reliable long-term sealing and allows for easy, visual confirmation of proper connection even in challenging environments, reducing the risk of operational errors and ensuring connection confirmation is not overlooked.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient means (4) unlocked to expand when pushed by a tip end of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)
AI summary
A pipe joint comprising a pressing nut into which a flexible pipe is inserted, a joint body into which the pressing nut is partially inserted, a resilient means unlocked when pushed by a tip end of the flexible pipe, a sealing member, a retainer engaging the flexible pipe, and an engaging mechanism keeping the pressing nut at a predetermined position in the joint body; the engaging mechanism comprising a stop ring, an annular groove formed on an outer surface of the pressing nut for receiving the stop ring, pluralities of engaging grooves formed on an inner surface of the joint body for receiving the stop ring and communicating with each other; the stop ring engaging both of the annular groove and the first engaging groove before the connection of the flexible pipe is completed; and when the flexible pipe is pulled after completing the connection, the stop ring moving from the first engaging groove to the second engaging groove to draw the pressing nut from the joint body, so that the normal connection of the flexible pipe can be confirmed.