Reconfigurable Pipe Fitting for Modular Header Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe layout headers are not easily modifiable once assembled, as the connection between header units is permanent, making on-site configuration changes difficult and wasteful, as new units must be manufactured if changes are needed.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting design that allows for connection and release, featuring a connection portion with a collet and claw members, and a notch system for easy disassembly and reassembly, enabling the reconfiguration of pipe layout headers by allowing the inner pipe to be inserted and removed from the connection portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-touch connection is used to connect header units, then connection ease is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the connection cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic reversible connection. The inner tube is designed to be insertable and removable from the outer tube through the opening, allowing the connection state to change between connected and disconnected, thus enabling reconfiguration while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The header units are segmented into modular components with distinct connection interfaces. Each header unit has an outer tube with an opening and an inner tube that can be independently inserted or removed, allowing individual units to be reconfigured without affecting the entire system.
2Reliability
If permanent connection is used between header units, then connection reliability is improved, but loss of time increases when configuration changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system allows dynamic adjustment between stable connected state for reliable operation and easily separable state for reconfiguration. The inner tube can be firmly inserted for reliable connection or removed through the opening for quick reconfiguration, eliminating the need for permanent connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows temporary discarding of the connected state when reconfiguration is needed, with the inner tube being removed and later recovered/reinserted into a new position. This enables flexible reconfiguration without permanent loss of connection capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If header units are fixed in sequence, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as on-site changes require new units
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular header units that can be manufactured using simple fixed sequences. Each unit has uniform connection interfaces (outer tube with opening and inner tube), allowing mass production simplicity while enabling flexible on-site reconfiguration through different combinations and arrangements of these standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connection interface design makes each header unit universal and interchangeable. The same outer tube and inner tube design can be used across different header units, allowing them to be reconfigured in various sequences and arrangements on-site without requiring custom-manufactured units for each configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe fitting capable of connection and connection release, and a pipe layout header configured by such pipe fittings are provided. A header unit (12) can be connected by inserting a second end portion (16) of an inner pipe section (14) into a connection portion (18) and retaining the second end portion (16) with a retaining member (48). The connection of the header unit can be released by inserting a pressing member (56) into a space (54) and pressing a collet (34) towards the far side of the connection portion.