Plastic Pipe Coupling With Reversible Locking and Watertight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting plastic pipes, such as using glue or complex clamping systems, are not environmentally friendly, do not allow for adjustments after assembly, and require complex manipulations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system that uses a locking ring with barbing means and a sealing ring to provide a watertight, adjustable, and environmentally friendly connection to plastic cylindrical pipes, allowing for on-site angle adjustments without the need for glue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glue is used to connect plastic pipes, then the connection is fixed and secure, but it is not environmentally friendly and does not allow adjustments after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a pipe coupling, a locking ring, and a sealing ring. The locking ring can be independently adjusted or removed, allowing angle adjustments on-site while maintaining a secure connection. This segmentation enables the connection to be both reliable and adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. It can be positioned at different angles and locked into place, allowing the connection to adapt to different installation requirements while maintaining security. The system transitions from a static glued connection to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If clamping shells with screwdrivers are used to connect pipes, then the connection is secure, but the manipulation is relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex screwdriver tightening mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler locking ring system. The locking ring uses a snap-fit or friction-based locking mechanism that can be secured without specialized tools, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed to be self-securing through its barbing means that engage with the pipe coupling. The system performs its own locking function without requiring external tools or complex manipulation, making the assembly process simpler and more intuitive.
3Reliability
If a sealing ring is added to provide watertight connection, then the water-tightness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is integrated into the pipe coupling assembly as a single functional unit. The sealing ring works in conjunction with the locking ring and pipe coupling to provide a comprehensive sealing solution. This merging of sealing and locking functions into a unified system provides watertight connection without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring serves multiple functions: providing water-tightness, facilitating the locking mechanism, and guiding the pipe into the correct position during assembly. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sealing ring component, as it addresses multiple requirements simultaneously rather than adding complexity for a single function.
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 pipe coupling system achieves a secure, watertight connection to plastic pipes while allowing for on-site adjustments, reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for glue and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe passes through the sealing ring, which engages the pipe in a sealing fashion such that a water-tight seal is provided between the plastic cylindrical pipe and the plastic casing of the pipe coupling
Implementation Method 2
the barbing means of the locking ring engages the plastic cylindrical pipe such that the plastic cylindrical pipe is prevented from moving in a direction opposite to the insertion direction
Implementation Method 3
the locking ring locks reversibly onto the casing such that the plastic pipe is prevented from being pulled out of the pipe coupling
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe coupling configured for connection to a plastic cylindrical pipe, wherein the pipe coupling comprises: an insertion part with an insertion opening configured for allowing the plastic cylindrical pipe to be inserted into the pipe coupling in an insert direction, wherein the insertion part comprises a plastic casing that is provided with a circumferential insertion wall in which the pipe fits, wherein via a diameter step the insertion wall merges into a circumferential accommodation wall having a larger inside diameter than the insertion wall, wherein the accommodation wall bounds an internal rebate; a sealing ring inserted into the rebate bound by the accommodation wall and configured for engaging the plastic cylindrical pipe in a sealing manner and for providing a water-tight seal between the pipe and the plastic casing; and a locking ring having a barbing means configured for engaging the plastic cylindrical pipe such that the plastic cylindrical pipe is allowed to be inserted into the locking ring in the insert direction and is prevented from moving to the locking ring in a direction opposite to the insert direction, wherein the locking ring is configured to reversibly lock onto the casing.