Plastic Pipe T-Junction With Hinged Sleeve for Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current T-connections for heating and cooling lines, particularly in battery cell applications, are complex, expensive, and prone to leaks due to multiple interfaces and rigid designs, which complicates tolerance compensation and requires significant installation space.
Innovation Solution
A plastic T-connection design featuring a first pipe with a larger diameter hole and a hinged sleeve with saddle-shaped components that can be folded to accommodate a second pipe, allowing for axial or rotational displacement to compensate for tolerances, eliminating the need for rubber compensation pieces and separate connectors, and incorporating an elastic seal and snap lock for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Y- or T-pieces with quick connectors are used for T-connections, then connections can be made between pipes, but the system becomes complex, expensive, and prone to leaks due to numerous interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the T-connector function directly into the pipe structure by creating a T-shaped hollow body from the same material (thermoplastic elastomer) as the pipes. This integration eliminates separate connectors and multiple interfaces, reducing complexity while maintaining connection functionality. The T-shaped hollow body serves as both the connection element and structural component, combining what were previously separate elements into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped hollow body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a fluid conduit, and a connection interface for multiple pipes. The hollow body receives multiple pipes through its openings and provides structural stability to the entire assembly, eliminating the need for separate support structures or connection devices.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid T-connectors are used, then structural stability is maintained, but tolerance compensation becomes difficult and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the elastic properties of thermoplastic elastomer to change the mechanical parameters of the T-connector. The material allows the hollow body to deform elastically under load, enabling it to accommodate tolerance variations in pipe positions and angles. This elastic deformation capability provides adaptability while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and tolerance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs thermoplastic elastomer, a composite material that combines the properties of thermoplastics (processability, structural integrity) with elastomers (elasticity, flexibility). This composite material enables the T-connector to exhibit both structural stability and elastic deformation capabilities, allowing it to maintain rigidity for load-bearing while simultaneously accommodating tolerance variations through elastic flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rubber compensation pieces and flexible corsets are used for tolerance compensation, then tolerance variations can be accommodated, but the system becomes more complex and requires more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tolerance compensation function directly into the T-connector structure itself rather than using separate rubber compensation pieces and flexible corsets. The elastic thermoplastic elastomer material of the hollow body inherently provides the flexibility needed for tolerance compensation, eliminating the need for additional compensation components and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If multiple quick connectors are used in confined spaces, then pipe connections can be made, but the risk of leakage significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple connection interfaces into a single integrated T-shaped hollow body structure. Instead of using multiple separate quick connectors that would create multiple potential leakage points, the hollow body provides multiple pipe reception openings in a unified structure, reducing the number of interfaces and thereby reducing the overall leakage risk while maintaining connection capability.
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 design simplifies assembly, reduces the risk of leaks, and minimizes the need for complex materials and space, while effectively compensating for tolerances and ensuring a secure, tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
the folding sleeve has a second saddle-shaped component, wherein the second saddle-shaped component is foldably connected to the first component and can be folded together to form the folding sleeve
Implementation Method 2
the folding sleeve has an elastic seal associated with the first pipeline in the area around the mouth of the further pipeline
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic pipe T-connection (11) with at least one first pipe (1) and at least one further plastic pipe (5). The invention was based on the objective of creating a plastic T-connection (11) of the type described above that does not require complex tolerance compensation pieces made of rubber and separate T-connectors.This task is solved by the first pipe (1) having at least one bore (2) in the pipe wall, the diameter of which is larger by a predetermined amount than the inner diameter of the further pipe (5), and the further pipe (5) having a hinged coupling (4) at its end associated with the first pipe (1), wherein the further pipe (5) opens fluid-carrying into a saddle-shaped component (4A), and the hinged coupling (4) has a second saddle-shaped component (4B), and the first and second components (4A, 4B) are foldable together to form the hinged coupling (4), wherein the opening (8) of the further pipe (1) is aligned with the bore (2) in the pipe wall of the first pipe (1).