Pipe Connection Assembly With Sealing-Lock for Releasable Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connection methods are not releasable without damaging the pipes and suffer from material fatigue due to direct surface contact and vibrations, leading to unreliable locking.

Innovation Solution

A pipe connection arrangement featuring a sealing section that bends to create a reliable seal and decouples material surfaces, with a locking mechanism that allows for easy assembly and secure locking, enabling the connection to be released without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pipes are connected by telescoping with direct surface contact and secured with locking mechanisms, then secure locking is achieved, but material surfaces rub directly on each other causing wear and material fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe surfaces. This sealing element absorbs the relative movements and vibrations, preventing direct contact between the pipe material surfaces while maintaining the locking function. The sealing element deforms to accommodate surface irregularities and dampens oscillations, eliminating wear and material fatigue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If locking mechanisms are used to secure pipe connections, then connection stability is improved, but the connection cannot be released without destroying the pipes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to assembly and disassembly operations. The sealing element with its specific geometric shape enables the connection to be securely locked during operation while allowing for controlled release when needed, providing both stability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If pipes are connected with direct surface contact for locking, then simple connection structure is achieved, but vibrations cause wear and material fatigue leading to unreliable locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidlocking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element functions as a flexible component that deforms under compression to create the locking effect. This flexible element absorbs vibrations and prevents direct contact between rigid pipe surfaces, maintaining reliable locking without requiring complex rigid locking structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a reliable, flexible, and releasable pipe connection that prevents material fatigue and ensures secure locking, allowing for easy disconnection without damaging the pipes.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing section is configured and bendable on the sealing means main body in a pushed-in second position of the first and second pipe elements such that the sealing section with a free leg of the sealing section making sealing contact with the inner wall of the first tubular element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Oscillations or vibrations are on the one hand dampened by the sealing means lying between the first and the second tubular element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2463565B1Pipe connection assembly
Publication Date: 2013.07.24 MCAVEN OSCAR
  • EP2463565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2463565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2463565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for connecting pipe elements (11, 12), comprising a first pipe element (11) with at least one locking means (14) arranged on the inner wall (13) of the pipe, a second pipe element (12) with an end section (15), wherein the second pipe element (12) is slidable into the first pipe (11) at least in the region of the end section (15), a separate sealing means (17) arranged completely circumferentially on the outer wall (16) of the end section (15) at least in a partial region, designed to seal a connection between the first pipe element (11) and the second pipe element (12), characterized in that the sealing means (17) is also designed and configured as a locking means for locking the first and second pipe elements (11, 12) together by the engagement of the sealing means (17) with the locking means (14).