Plug-in Coupling Protective Ring for Sealing Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in couplings for pipes face challenges in protecting the sealing ring from damage during insertion, particularly when the pipe ends are not properly machined, leading to increased construction complexity and space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A protective ring is connected via a predetermined breaking connection to an existing ring body, encasing the pipe end's end face externally, ensuring it is carried along during insertion and separating to prevent damage to the sealing ring, thus simplifying design and handling while minimizing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate protective ring is provided to protect the sealing ring from damage during insertion, then the sealing ring is protected from damage, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing ring protectionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective ring is merged with the existing ring body (spacer ring or insertion aid) through a predetermined breaking connection. This combination allows the protective function to be integrated into an existing component rather than adding a separate part, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while still providing sealing ring protection during insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective ring is connected to the ring body via a predetermined breaking connection that allows the protective ring to separate during insertion. This segmentation enables the protective ring to fulfill its protective function temporarily and then be discarded, avoiding the need for a permanent additional component that would increase device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a separate protective ring is provided to protect the sealing ring from damage during insertion, then the sealing ring is protected from damage, but the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing ring protectionVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective ring is merged with the existing ring body (spacer ring or insertion aid) through a predetermined breaking connection. This combination allows the protective function to be integrated into an existing component rather than adding a separate part, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while still providing sealing ring protection during insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a protective sleeve is pushed onto the pipe end to protect the sealing ring, then the sealing ring is protected from damage, but handling becomes more difficult and additional loose construction parts are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing ring protectionVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective ring is merged with the existing ring body (spacer ring or insertion aid) through a predetermined breaking connection. This combination eliminates the need for separate loose components that would complicate handling, as the protective function is integrated into a component that is already part of the coupling assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective ring automatically performs its protective function during the insertion process without requiring separate handling or installation steps. The predetermined breaking connection ensures the protective ring separates at the appropriate moment, making the protection mechanism self-activating and eliminating additional handling requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively prevents sealing ring damage by using the protective ring as a driver stop and ensuring proper sealing contact, enhancing handling and reducing construction complexity without additional structural parts.

Implementation Method 1

the retaining claws are subjected to a torque in the opposite direction to the inclination, which increases the contact pressure of the sharp-edged retaining claws on the outer casing of the pipe end and thus ensures safe self-locking with increasing extraction forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the protective ring is connected via a predetermined breaking connection to an existing ring body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture Mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP2706279B1Plug-in coupling for a metallic pipe, in particular for water pipes
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 KE KELIT KUNSTSTOFFWERK GMBH
  • EP2706279B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2706279B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2706279B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The plug-in coupling has a coupling sleeve (1) for receiving a pipe end (2), where a sealing ring (4) is inserted in the coupling sleeve. An annular body has a protective ring (12) connected through a predetermined breaking connection (13) for surrounding the end face of the pipe end from the outside. The protective ring has a U-shaped cross section, and is provided with the annular body spacers (8,9) for a blocking ring (6). The annular body with the protective ring forms an inlet guide (11) for the pipe end. The protective ring is provided between the blocking ring and the sealing ring.