Push-Fit Pipeline Connection With Reusable Lock and Release Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections for pipelines are complicated and time-consuming to assemble, requiring multiple components and often necessitate the use of adapters, with some designs requiring high force for unlocking due to steep spring force increases.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection system featuring a plug-in part with a spring element that can be displaced from a resting groove into locking and release grooves, allowing easy installation and reuse without additional components, and optionally a two-latch system for secure insertion and defined leakage indication, using a spring steel wire and elastomeric sealing rings for sealing and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plug-in connectors use multiple components and adapters for assembly, then the connection can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple components into a single receiving element. The receiving element combines the receiving bore, stripping element, and securing element features into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate adapters and retaining rings. This merging reduces the total component count and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the functional requirements of the plug-in connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: it provides the receiving bore for the plug pin, incorporates the stripping element for spring element engagement, and includes the securing element for positioning. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing assembly complexity and time.
2Reliability
If a spring element with steep force increase is used for locking, then the connection is secure, but a relatively large force is required for unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed with a progressive force characteristic rather than a steep linear increase. The spring geometry and material selection create a dynamic force profile that provides sufficient locking force while allowing easier release. The spring element's elastic properties enable it to maintain secure locking during operation but reduce the force required for unlocking through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element parameters (wire diameter, coil diameter, number of coils, material properties) are optimized to achieve the desired force characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the spring provides high locking force when engaged but requires reduced force for release, balancing security with ease of operation. The spring constant and preload forces are specifically calibrated to meet both requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If a securing element is used to prevent further insertion, then the plug pin position is controlled, but an additional component is required
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is integrated directly into the receiving element as a built-in feature rather than being a separate component. The receiving element includes the securing element as part of its structure, eliminating the need for additional separate components while maintaining precise control over the plug pin insertion depth and position.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary feature within the receiving element that mediates the interaction between the plug pin and receiving element. It provides the necessary positioning and stopping function without requiring external components, serving as an integrated mediator that controls insertion depth while being part of the single receiving element structure.
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 plug connection can be easily installed and reused without tools, is secure and ready for operation when locked, and allows for defined leakage indication in the two-latch configuration, reducing assembly complexity and eliminating the need for adapters or retaining rings.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element which, when a free end of the plug pin is inserted into the receiving bore, can be displaced from a rest groove into a first locking groove
Implementation Method 2
with elastomeric sealing rings for sealing and protection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A push-fit connection (1) for pipelines, comprising a plug-in part (2) and a receiving element (3) that can be connected and disconnected from one another, wherein the plug-in part (2) has a plug-in pin (6) at a first end that can be inserted into a receiving bore (18) of the receiving element (3) and a connection end (5) at a second end with which the plug-in part (2) can be connected to a pipeline, comprising a spring element (8) which, when a free end of the plug-in pin (6) is inserted into the receiving bore (18), is displaceable from a rest groove (16) into a first locking groove (12) on the plug-in pin (6) by means of a wiper element (15) located in the receiving bore (18) of the receiving element (3), wherein the first locking groove (12) has a shallower groove depth than the rest groove (16), and comprising a locking element (10) which is located in a groove at one end of the plug-in pin (6) is located at the opposite end and serves as an end stop for the receiving element (3) when inserted,wherein the locking element (10) is designed to be removable, so that after removal of the locking element (10) the plug pin (6) can be moved further into the receiving bore (18) and the spring element (8) can be moved from its first locking groove (12) into a release groove (14) on the plug part (2) by bearing against the wiper element (15), the groove depth of which is greater than that of the first locking groove (12), so that the plug pin (6) can be moved out of the receiving bore (18) of the receiving element (3), wherein the receiving element (3) is formed as a shaped bore together with the receiving bore (18) for the plug part (2) in one assembly.