Pipe Spigot End with Alternating Radial Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe parts with chamfered spigot ends require high insertion force due to uniform deformation of sealing rings, making the insertion process tiresome and difficult to manage.

Innovation Solution

A pipe part with a spigot end featuring alternating radially inward sections and outward protuberances, which allow for non-uniform deformation of the sealing ring, providing tactile and audible feedback to facilitate easier insertion and reduce insertion force by exploiting different material properties and adapting to the annular shape of the socket end part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a cone-shaped external surface is used on the spigot end part, then the sealing ring is deformed uniformly during insertion, but the insertion force becomes undesirably great and the insertion process becomes tiresome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecone-shaped external surfaceVSAvoidinsertion force
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cone-shaped external surface is segmented into multiple regions with alternating radial directions (inward and outward). This segmentation allows the sealing ring to be deformed in a non-uniform, sector-by-sector manner rather than uniformly throughout, reducing the peak insertion force required while maintaining effective sealing ring deformation for connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the sealing ring is deformed uniformly round the entire circumference, then the spigot end part can be inserted into the socket end part, but the insertion force increases as insertion advances making the process difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion process manageabilityVSAvoidinsertion force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The alternating inward and outward radial regions create a periodic deformation pattern as the spigot end part is inserted. The sealing ring is deformed in alternating sectors rather than uniformly, creating a periodic action that reduces the continuously increasing insertion force characteristic of uniform deformation, making the insertion process more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Force

If the sealing ring is deformed sector by sector, then the insertion force is reduced and applied in a distributed manner, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion forceVSAvoidchamfered part structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfered part is designed with local quality variations where different radial regions (inward and outward) serve different functions in the deformation process. This localized differentiation enables sector-by-sector deformation of the sealing ring while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using conventional processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 non-uniform deformation and feedback mechanisms reduce the required insertion force, making the process more manageable and efficient, while allowing for improved design possibilities and manufacturing advantages.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing ring has to be uniformly deformed round the entire circumference. During this process the internal diameter of the sealing ring is increased, against elastic forces.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The outer end structure is provided with at least one end-stage indicator for producing tactile and/or audible feedback to a person when insertion of the spigot end part into the socket has reached an end stage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTactile feedback: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The outer end structure is provided with at least one end-stage indicator for producing tactile and/or audible feedback to a person when insertion of the spigot end part into the socket has reached an end stage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAudible feedback: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP2206942B1Pipe part provided with a spigot end part
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 WAVIN BV
  • EP2206942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2206942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2206942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Pipe part (1) provided with a spigot end part (2) which is designed for insertion into a socket end part having on the inside a sealing ring, the spigot end part (2) having an outer end-structure (3) which comprises in circumferential direction in alternating fashion radially inwardly situated sections (4), and, relative to these inwardly situated sections, radially outwardly directed protuberances (5).