Plastic Exhaust Pipe Integral Axial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust pipe systems face challenges in mountability and axial security, particularly requiring complex spring washers for assembly and connection, and lack efficient methods for secure attachment to socket pipes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an exhaust pipe system with integral securing means molded during production, allowing for a sleeve-shaped securing element to be rotated relative to the pipe for positive axial locking, eliminating the need for spring washers and enabling easy handling and secure attachment to adjacent pipe sections through a form-fit mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring washers are used to axially secure the exhaust pipe in annular grooves, then axial security is improved, but device complexity and ease of assembly worsen due to the need for additional components and complex assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing function into the exhaust pipe structure itself by providing axial securing means (external threads) directly on the pipe sections. This eliminates the need for separate spring washers and other additional securing components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining axial security through the integrated threading mechanism that engages with corresponding internal threads in socket pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust pipe sections are equipped with integral axial securing means (external threads) that enable self-securing to socket pipes without requiring additional components like spring washers. The threading mechanism allows the pipe sections to secure themselves axially through a simple screwing motion, making the assembly process self-contained and eliminating the need for separate securing operations.
2Reliability
If spring washers are used for axial securing, then axial security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficult assembly and disassembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged into the exhaust pipe structure through integral external threads on the pipe sections. This allows direct engagement with internal threads in socket pipes, eliminating the need for separate spring washers and complex assembly steps. The simplified threading mechanism enables easy screwing and unscrewing operations for both assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral external threads on exhaust pipe sections enable self-securing to socket pipes without requiring additional components or complex operations. The threading mechanism allows workers to simply screw the pipe sections into place for assembly and unscrew them for disassembly, making the entire process straightforward and eliminating the need for separate securing operations with spring washers.
3Strength
If metal smooth pipe sections are connected to corrugated pipe sections by rivets with bayonet locks, then structural strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability worsen due to inability to shorten the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust pipe system is segmented into modular sections with integral external threads that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows pipe sections to be easily shortened or reconfigured by removing unwanted sections and reconnecting the remaining parts using the threading mechanism, providing manufacturing flexibility while maintaining connection strength through the robust thread engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a fixed, non-adjustable riveted structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable threaded connection. The external threads on pipe sections enable easy assembly and disassembly, allowing the pipe system to be dynamically adjusted in length and configuration during manufacturing and installation, thereby improving ease of manufacture and adaptability while maintaining structural strength.
4Ease of manufacture
If integral securing means are molded during production, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The axial securing means (external threads) are merged into the exhaust pipe structure and molded during production using standard extrusion blow molding processes. This integration eliminates the need for separate securing components and reduces assembly steps, while the threading features are incorporated directly into the pipe geometry without requiring additional manufacturing steps or complex tooling, thereby improving ease of manufacture without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to exhaust pipes made of plastic for conveying exhaust gases from heating systems, preferably manufactured in one piece using the extrusion blow molding process, with alternating rigid smooth pipe sections (2) and flexible corrugated pipe sections (3), wherein an exhaust pipe section with at least one corrugated pipe section (3) and two end-end smooth pipe sections (2) can be cut out of the exhaust pipe (1).According to the invention, it is provided that locking means are integrally formed with the exhaust pipe (1) and that locking means are assigned to each of the smooth pipe sections, which are designed such that a locking element (8), preferably sleeve-shaped, can be fixed to them by a relative rotational movement to the exhaust pipe (1) to create a positive locking effect effective in the axial direction, and that the locking means comprise an external threaded section for screwing with an internal threaded section of the locking element (8) or bayonet locking means for interacting with opposing sections of the locking element (8) in the manner of a bayonet lock.