Push-Seal Pipe Adapter With Multi-Surface Grommet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe adapters require additional labor, tools, and sealants for secure connections, which can be time-consuming and costly, especially in applications where rapid or semi-permanent plumbing changes are needed.
Innovation Solution
A push seal pipe adapter system featuring a grommet with multiple sealing surfaces that fits into a pipe adapter, allowing for secure pipe coupling without extra adapters or sealants, utilizing malleable materials like rubber or silicon for expansion and sealing, and optionally combining with rigid materials for enhanced sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe adapters are used with additional sealants and threading, then secure connections are achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate sealants, threads, and additional adapters by integrating the sealing function directly into the pipe adapter body through a specially designed grommet that forms seals through push-fit insertion alone
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function with the pipe adapter structure itself by incorporating a grommet that creates multiple seals (first seal at the pipe end, second seal at the adapter interior surface, third seal at the adapter exterior surface) without requiring separate sealing components
2Reliability
If conventional pipe adapters require glue, threads, or sealants, then secure sealing is achieved, but labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is designed to automatically form seals through the push-fit insertion process itself, where the deformation of the grommet material during insertion creates the sealing action without requiring external sealants or additional manual sealing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the grommet material through deformation during insertion, transforming it from a flexible state that allows insertion to a deformed state that creates sealing pressure against the pipe and adapter surfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If malleable materials like rubber or silicon are used for the grommet, then expansion and sealing capability are improved, but structural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The grommet is designed with different local properties: the bulk material provides flexibility and elasticity for deformation and sealing, while the deformed regions create localized high-pressure sealing zones against the pipe and adapter surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with the grommet made from malleable material (rubber or silicon) that combines flexibility for deformation with sufficient structural integrity to maintain sealing pressure, effectively creating a composite sealing system
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 push seal pipe adapter provides a robust, repeatable seal without the need for conventional adapters or labor-intensive processes, suitable for various plumbing applications, including commercial, residential, and laboratory settings, reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The grommet is formed from any malleable or non-rigid materials, such as rubber, silicon, or plastic. Use of such materials ensure that the third adapter contact surface of the grommet expands towards and presses against the third grommet contact surface of the pipe adapter, thereby ensuring optimal sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
A push seal pipe adapter includes a grommet and a pipe adapter. The grommet fits inside the pipe adapter. The grommet includes a first adapter contact surface, a second adapter contact surface, and a third adapter contact surface. The pipe adapter includes a first grommet contact surface, a second grommet contact surface, and a third grommet contact surface. When the grommet is inserted into the pipe adapter, the first adapter contact surface of the grommet contacts the first grommet contact surface of the pipe adapter and the second adapter contact surface of the grommet contacts the second grommet contact surface of the pipe adapter. The push seal pipe adapter provides a pipe coupling end that receives a pipe. To couple, the pipe is pushed into the pipe coupling end.