Round Pipe Extrusion With Internal Flanges for Slip-On Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a pipe extrusion that can be used as a handrail or structural member in temporary structures, capable of suspending lights and compatible with slip-on couplings and fittings for round tubes, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A pipe extrusion with a substantially round outer perimeter, inward-facing flanges, and a cross member parallel to the flanges, fabricated from aluminum alloy, designed to work with slip-on couplings and fittings, and suitable for temporary structures and light suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe extrusion is designed with a substantially round outer perimeter for compatibility with slip-on couplings and fittings, then adaptability to existing round tube fittings is improved, but the ability to integrate structural features like flanges and cross members for temporary structures and light suspension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe extrusion cross-section is segmented into distinct functional zones: a round portion for coupling compatibility, inward-facing flanges for structural attachment, and a cross member for reinforcement and light suspension. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between maintaining round tube compatibility and integrating complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the pipe extrusion cross-section are given different geometric properties tailored to their specific functions. The round portion maintains a circular profile for coupling compatibility, while the flange area incorporates inward-facing horizontal surfaces for attachment, and the cross member provides structural reinforcement. This local differentiation of geometric quality enables multiple functions within a single integrated extrusion.
2Device complexity
If the round portion has an included angle of less than 300 degrees, then space for structural features like flanges and cross members is increased, but the roundness and compatibility with standard round tube fittings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe extrusion cross-section employs asymmetric geometry where the round portion is defined by an included angle of less than 300 degrees rather than a complete 360-degree circle. This asymmetric design creates sufficient space for inward-facing flanges and cross members while maintaining enough roundness to be compatible with slip-on couplings and fittings designed for round tubes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cross member is positioned below the centerline and flanges are positioned above the centerline, then structural balance and support for light suspension are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extrusion process is designed to preliminarily establish the precise positions of the cross member and flanges during fabrication. By incorporating these features directly into the extrusion mold with predetermined positions (cross member below centerline, flanges above centerline), the structural balance is built-in during manufacturing, and the positioning accuracy is ensured through the extrusion tooling rather than requiring post-manufacturing adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe extrusion includes a cross-section with a substantially round outer perimeter. A round portion of the substantially round outer perimeter preferably has an included angle of less than 300 degrees. A pair of inward facing flanges terminate the round portion. A cross member is formed across an inner area of the round portion. The cross member is parallel with the pair of inward facing flanges. A position of the cross member relative to a centerline of the round portion is between 0-20 degrees from the center line of the round portion. The pipe extrusion is preferably fabricated from any suitable aluminum alloy, such as T-6 aluminum.