Pipe Union Connecting Arrangement With Intermediate Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection arrangements often result in inaccuracies during assembly and unfavorable force flows due to the need for major interventions in the inner diameter of the pipe end, leading to potential over-assembly and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement that utilizes an intermediate ring to separate sealing and connection functions, allowing for precise control of the pipe's penetration and incorporating a soft seal, with a bearing surface design that optimizes force distribution by reducing the angle of force application to 10-15° relative to the perpendicular, thereby minimizing radial force components and preventing over-assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bulged area of the pipe protrudes into the conical bore of the connecting piece to enable secure holding, then connection reliability is improved, but the inner diameter of the pipe end must be significantly reduced which increases manufacturing complexity and can cause assembly inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is divided into multiple functional zones: a first conical bore for initial insertion and guidance, a second cylindrical bore with reduced diameter for secure holding, and a third cylindrical bore for sealing. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without requiring major interventions to the pipe end.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate ring is introduced as a mediator element between the pipe and the connecting piece. This ring features a conical outer surface that cooperates with the first conical bore, a bearing surface that limits pipe penetration, and an annular bead with sealing element. The intermediate ring enables secure connection while maintaining the pipe's original inner diameter geometry.
2Reliability
If seals are arranged in the remaining free spaces between the pipe, union nut and connecting piece to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and the risk of assembly inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring serves as a pre-assembled sealing unit that carries the sealing element on its annular bead. By integrating the seal into this intermediary component rather than attempting to install it in the complex space between pipe and connecting piece, assembly is simplified and positioning accuracy is improved.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is pre-positioned on the intermediate ring during manufacturing, ensuring correct orientation and positioning. This preliminary action eliminates the difficulty of installing seals in the final assembly stage and prevents assembly inaccuracies.
3Ease of operation
If the inner face of the connecting piece serves as the limit stop for the pipe, then assembly is simplified, but over-assembly can occur which affects manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical limit stop function is transferred from the connecting piece's inner face to the intermediate ring's bearing surface. This substitution provides a more precise and reliable stop that prevents over-assembly, while the assembly process remains simple as the bearing surface naturally guides and limits pipe insertion.
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
This configuration ensures a more favorable force flow during assembly, reduces the required force for connection, minimizes noise obstruction, and provides a clear assembly signal, while maintaining a minimal change in the tube's inner contour to prevent over-assembly and enhance sealing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a conical bore located in the union nut, which is formed in the opposite direction to a clamping surface of the bulged area, then ensures that the bulged area is pulled onto the connecting piece and it is held there in screwed form
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A connecting arrangement connects a cylindrical pipe (10) or a pipe section to a connecting body (20). Said connecting body (20) has a first conical bore (23), extending away from a face (24), a first cylindrical bore (21) for receiving the pipe (10), which bore is contiguous to the conical bore (23), and a second cylindrical bore (22) that is contiguous to the first cylindrical bore (21) and the diameter of which is reduced. A union nut (30) has a bore (31) for the pipe (10) or the pipe section. Said union bore has a threaded section (38) by means of which the union nut (30) can be screwed onto a mating threaded section (28) of the connecting body (20), and a conical bore (33) that tapers in a direction opposite to that of the conical bore (23) of the connecting body (20). Adjacent to the end of the pipe (10) or the pipe section a zone (11) of the pipe (10) bulges outward all around and has a tensioning face (12) that interacts with the conical bore (33) of the union nut (30) and is complementary thereto. An intermediate ring (50) has a bore (51) for the pipe (10) or the pipe section. Said intermediate ring (50) is interposed between the zone (11) of the pipe (10) that bulges outward all around and the connecting body (20). It is supported on the face (24) of the connecting body (20).