Rotatable Banderole Press Fitting for Clear Compression Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing press fittings are not optimized for a slim and space-saving design, lack effective compression indication, and require complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A press fitting design featuring a tubular band made of plastic film or paper that rotates relative to the press sleeve, marked with visible and machine-readable information, and secured by a retaining ring, allowing for easy assembly and indication of successful compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional press fitting design is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the design is not slim and consumes excessive material and space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress fitting volumeVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The press fitting is divided into distinct functional segments: a slim press sleeve for compression, a separate fitting body for structural support, and a tubular band for marking and indication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall material consumption while maintaining connection strength through the coordinated action of specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The press sleeve is designed as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides sufficient compression capability while minimizing material usage. The tubular band made of plastic film or paper wraps around the press sleeve, adding functional capabilities (marking, rotation indication) without significantly increasing volume or material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Loss of information

If no marking system is added to indicate compression, then the design remains simple, but there is no effective compression indication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression indicationVSAvoidpress fitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular band is designed to change its rotational position or visual appearance during compression, providing clear indication of the compression state. The band can rotate relative to the press sleeve, and its position or orientation changes serve as visual feedback about the compression process, eliminating information loss without requiring complex electronic or mechanical indication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex manufacturing process is used, then the manufacturing precision can be high, but the production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress fitting precisionVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular band is pre-formed and prepared separately before being applied to the press sleeve. The press sleeve and fitting body are manufactured to standardized dimensions with tolerances that ensure proper assembly. This preliminary preparation of components allows for efficient assembly operations and maintains manufacturing precision through standardized processes rather than complex in-situ adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The press sleeve serves multiple functions: providing structural support for compression, serving as a mounting surface for the tubular band, and acting as a guide for the pressing tool. The tubular band simultaneously provides marking, rotation indication, and potential sealing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the tubular band is firmly fixed to the press sleeve, then the band remains in position, but it cannot rotate to indicate compression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveband positioningVSAvoidband rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the tubular band and press sleeve is designed to be dynamically adjustable: the band can rotate freely during the compression process to provide indication, but remains positioned axially to prevent displacement. This dynamic behavior allows the system to transition from a static fixed connection to a controlled rotating connection during operation, satisfying both positioning stability and rotational freedom requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3781853B1Press fitting for a pipe connection, and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 UPONOR INNOVATION AB
  • EP3781853B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3781853B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3781853B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to a press fitting (1, 21, 23) for a pipe connection, having a fitting body (2, 22, 24) for connecting the press fitting (1, 21, 23) to a pipe, a press sleeve (3, 25) which is secured to the fitting body (2, 22, 24) and comprises a substantially cylindrical press region (4) and at least one protruding element that delimits the substantially cylindrical press region (4) in the axial direction, and a tubular banderole (14, 26) which surrounds the substantially cylindrical press region (4) of the press sleeve (3, 25). The tubular banderole (14, 26) is arranged in a rotatable manner relative to the surface of the press sleeve (3, 25), is held in the cylindrical press region (4) by the at least one protruding element, and is at least partly destroyed upon pressing the press sleeve (3, 25) using a pressing tool (34). The invention additionally relates to a method for producing such a press fitting (1, 21, 23).