Plug-in Pipe Coupling Indicator Ring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections require high force for connection and disconnection due to the reliance on spring force to displace the indicator ring into the display position, and the coordination of spring effects between the indicator ring, spring element, and sealing ring, making the process more difficult and less reliable.
Innovation Solution
The design features a spring element that directly presses against the indicator ring, allowing it to move over the apex section with minimal effort, eliminating the need for significant spring force, and the release element is held in place by a sealing ring with a friction fit, reducing the dependence on spring stiffness, allowing for a softer spring element and eliminating the need for coordinated spring effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the release element is shifted with large spring force to move the indicator ring into the display position, then the indicator ring reaches the display position reliably, but the connection and disconnection of the plug connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into functionally independent segments: the indicator ring movement is separated from the release element actuation. The indicator ring is moved passively by spring element (25) during normal connection, while the release element (21) remains stationary and is actuated separately for disconnection. This segmentation eliminates the need for large spring forces during connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of moving the indicator ring is extracted from the release element actuation mechanism. Instead of requiring the release element to shift and push the indicator ring, the spring element (25) independently performs this function during connection. The release element is taken out from the indicator ring actuation chain, reducing the force requirements.
2Reliability
If the spring forces of the indicator ring, spring element, and sealing ring are coordinated, then the indicator ring moves reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex coordination requirement is extracted and eliminated by making the release element (21) stationary. The indicator ring movement is handled independently by spring element (25), removing the need to coordinate multiple spring forces through a shifting release element. This simplifies the system while maintaining reliable indicator ring movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element (25) self-services the indicator ring movement function without requiring complex coordination with the release element. The spring element automatically moves the indicator ring into the display position during connection through its own elastic force, independent of the sealing ring or release element actuation.
3Length of moving object
If the annular shoulder with inclined surfaces is eliminated, then the overall length of the inner part is reduced, but the mechanism for moving the indicator ring becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The complex annular shoulder with inclined surfaces is extracted and replaced by a simpler mechanism. The spring element (25) directly acts on the indicator ring, eliminating the need for inclined surfaces to convert axial motion to radial motion. This reduces the inner part length while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element (25) directly moves the indicator ring without requiring the intermediary inclined surfaces. The spring element's elastic force directly translates to radial movement of the indicator ring, eliminating the need for the complex annular shoulder structure and its inclined surfaces.
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 reduces the forces required for connecting and releasing the plug connection, ensures reliable indication of the connected state, and allows for a shorter inner part design by eliminating the annular shoulder with inclined surfaces, while ensuring the indicator ring only moves into the display position when the connection is secure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is arranged between the flange and the outer part, which surrounds the release element in an annular manner and resiliently counteracts penetration of the release element into the outer part
Implementation Method 2
an elastically expandable indicator ring is arranged on the inner part in a ready position before the inner part is connected to the outer part and can be moved from the ready position to a display position when the inner part is connected to the outer part
Implementation Method 3
The release element can be positioned in its rear end position on the inner part from the outset, where it rests against a shoulder of the inner part and is held in place by a frictional seal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
In a push-fit connection for pipelines, an inner part (1) can be inserted into an opening of an outer part (2) and connected to the outer part (2). An elastically expandable indicator ring (30) is arranged in a ready position on the inner part (1) before the inner part (1) is connected to the outer part (2) and can be moved into an indicator position when the inner part (1) is connected to the outer part (2). A release element (21), by which the connection can be released, is axially displaceable on the inner part (1) and has a radial flange (27) against which the indicator ring (30) rests in the ready position. A spring element (25) is arranged between the indicator ring (30) and the outer part (2), which surrounds the release element (21) in a ring-like manner.The flange (27) forms a radial outer edge, forming a vertex section (28), over which the indicator ring (30) can be moved by the spring element (25) into the display position when connecting the inner part (1) with the outer part (2), which lies on the side of the flange (27) facing away from the spring element (25).