Pipe Connection Unit With Threaded Insert for Weld-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection methods for nozzles and adapters in cleaning devices, such as laboratory glassware and medical items, require complex welding processes and result in distortion, surface treatment needs, and high production costs, limiting ease of assembly, disassembly, and thread flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit featuring a tube with a through-opening and a connecting element having a threaded section and a contact section, allowing for a threadless connection using a fixing element like a hexagonal nut, enabling easy assembly and disassembly without welding, and allowing thread changes, reducing production and storage costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect nozzles and adapters to basket tubes, then mechanical strength and robustness are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase, and welding distortion occurs requiring additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle/adaptor and the basket tube. The insert is threaded into the tube and the nozzle threads onto the insert, eliminating the need for direct welding while maintaining mechanical strength. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by providing a strong connection without the complexity and distortion of welding.
2Strength
If welding is used to create connections, then mechanical robustness is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into three separate components: the basket tube, the threaded insert, and the nozzle/adaptor. This segmentation allows the nozzle to be easily assembled by threading onto the insert and disassembled by unscrewing, while the threaded insert remains permanently threaded into the tube. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy assembly/disassembly while maintaining mechanical robustness through the threaded connection.
3Strength
If thread cutting or thread forming is used to create threads, then thread strength is improved, but manufacturing time and chip removal requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded insert is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be manufactured using standard threading processes. While the insert itself undergoes threading, this is done once during insert manufacturing rather than during final assembly. The insert can be replaced if damaged, making the threading process economically viable. This resolves the contradiction by concentrating the threading operation in a controlled manufacturing step rather than during assembly.
4Strength
If welding is used to connect components, then permanent strong connections are achieved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic threaded connection. The threaded insert provides a permanent, strong anchor point in the tube, while the nozzle/adaptor can be dynamically assembled and disassembled by threading onto and unscrewing from the insert. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the strength of a permanent connection through the threaded insert while enabling the flexibility of removable connections through the threaded nozzle.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting unit (100) for connecting a connecting element (110) to a pipe section (115) for use in a cleaning device. The connecting unit (100) comprises a pipe (102) with the pipe section (115), wherein the pipe section (115) has a through-opening (140) configured to receive at least a portion of a connecting element (110). The connecting unit (100) further comprises the connecting element (110) with a threaded section (120) and a contact section (125), wherein the threaded section (120) is configured to receive a fixing element (105), and wherein the contact section (125) is configured to positively engage at least a portion of the connecting element (110) in the pipe section (115) with the pipe (102).