Plastic Pipe Connection Device with Film Hinge for Axial Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connecting devices fail to provide adequate axial fixation for both thin-walled and thick-walled plastic pipes, often requiring high assembly forces or causing deformation, especially in pressurized water pipes and domestic drainage systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection device featuring two plastic holding elements with radially inwardly projecting claw elements, connected via a film hinge, which allows for even distribution of force around the pipe circumference to prevent deformation and secure the connection without ovalizing the pipe cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal claws or clamps are used to provide axial fixation for pressurized water pipes, then axial stability is improved, but assembly forces increase and pipe wall thickness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is divided into two functional zones: a claw area with radially inwardly projecting claws for gripping the pipe, and a bearing surface area for clamping. This segmentation allows the pipe to be gripped without requiring high assembly forces to penetrate the pipe wall, while still providing reliable axial fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element has different local properties: sharp claws in the gripping area for penetrating the pipe surface with minimal force, and a larger bearing surface in the clamping area for distributing forces. This local differentiation enables effective fixation without requiring high overall assembly forces or thick pipe walls.
2Reliability
If rigid holding elements with claw elements are used to secure pipe connections, then axial stability is improved, but pipe cross-section deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to transition from a rigid state during clamping to a slightly deformable state during pipe gripping. The film hinge allows the claw-bearing surface assembly to adapt to the pipe circumference, distributing forces evenly and preventing localized deformation that would ovalize the pipe cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The film hinge acts as a flexible element that allows the holding element to conform to the pipe's circular cross-section. This flexibility ensures that the claw forces are distributed evenly around the pipe circumference, preventing the pipe from deforming into an oval shape while still providing secure axial fixation.
3Reliability
If conventional pipe connection devices are used for thin-walled plastic drainage pipes, then axial fixation is provided, but the structure becomes complex and assembly forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function and gripping function are merged into a single holding element rather than using separate components. The film hinge connects the claw-bearing surface assembly to the clamping mechanism, creating an integrated structure that provides both axial fixation and pipe gripping with reduced complexity compared to conventional multi-component solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides axial fixation through the claws, distributes clamping forces through the bearing surface, and adapts to different pipe configurations through the film hinge. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall connection device structure.
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 secure, deformation-free connection for both thin-walled and thick-walled pipes, minimizing assembly forces and ensuring axial stability without damaging the pipe, while being cost-effective and suitable for various pipe configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The penetration force is applied to the piece of pipe in such a way that the cylindrical parts of the holding elements are each divided by means of a film hinge and are therefore variable in their semi-cylindrical shape. They are bent around the tube and then enclose it cylindrically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connection device for the positive locking connection of two plastic pipes 1, wherein the pipe connection device comprises two half-shell-like retaining elements 2, 3, which are made of plastic and can encompass at least a partial area of both plastic pipes 1 and can be clamped against each other, wherein each retaining element 2, 3 has at least a partially cylindrical bearing surface 5, which can be placed against an outer surface of one of the two plastic pipes 1 to be joined, characterized in that the retaining element 2, 3 is provided essentially centrally, with respect to its circumference, with a hinge-like connecting area 4.