Pipe Connection With Reduced Rigidity Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections are prone to damage and destruction when subjected to eccentric or transverse stresses, leading to compromised integrity and security, particularly in anchorages or pipe umbrellas used in tunnel or rock passages where soil or rock layers may shift, causing uneven loads.
Innovation Solution
The pipe connection design features an area with reduced strength at the inner circumference, created by a series of indentations or recesses that decrease in distance towards the end, ensuring the connection remains intact under stress by allowing deformation without damaging the surrounding pipe section, and can be produced with minimal material and cost, with optional rounding or progressive depth/width of recesses for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the end sections of pipes are in direct contact with one another, then the connection is simple and straightforward, but the inner end section damages and destroys the surrounding end section when subjected to eccentric or transverse stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an area with reduced strength at the inner circumference of the end section through indentations or recesses. This localized modification allows the end section to deform preferentially in this weaker area when subjected to eccentric or transverse stress, preventing damage to the surrounding end section while maintaining overall connection integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the area with reduced strength has uniform spacing of indentations, then the manufacturing is simple, but the progressive deformation control towards the end is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by varying the spacing of indentations or recesses along the end section. The distance between adjacent indentations decreases towards the end of the area with reduced strength, creating an asymmetric pattern that controls progressive deformation more effectively than uniform spacing, while still maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a connection between two pipes (1, 2) in which a final section of one pipe overlaps a final section of the other pipe or one respective joining element (3, 4) is inserted into the facing final sections of the pipes (1, 2). The pipes (1, 2) can be screwed together. The final section of the pipe that is overlapped by the other pipe, or at least one joining element (3, 4) that is inserted into a final section (3, 4), is embodied with an area (18, 19) having a lower rigidity than the adjoining subarea at the end facing the interior of the pipe. Said area (18, 19, 30) having a reduced rigidity is embodied with at least one depression or recess (20, 21, 21', 31) on the inner circumference thereof, whereby one is able to ensure that the pipes (1, 2) that are to be interconnected remain undamaged if the same are tilted or inclined relative to each other, even in case forces act eccentrically upon the pipe connection.