Screw-Lock Plumbing Connector With Visual Pipe Engagement Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial plumbing connectors for multi-layered plastic pipes face challenges such as the need for power tools, lack of visual verification of proper crimping, difficulty in scaling up, and inability to be reused, especially in environments with limited space and high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector with a plastic collet and locking cap that allows for easy assembly using a screwing action, providing clear visual indication of the connection state, and enabling demountability, while maintaining a secure seal at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a press-fit connector is used to compress the connector onto the pipe, then a secure connection is achieved, but a power tool is required which is large and awkward to manipulate in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into an inner body and an outer compression sleeve as separate components. The inner body contains the seal and structural elements, while the outer sleeve provides the compression function. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be achieved without requiring a large power tool for the entire assembly, as only the outer sleeve needs to be compressed onto the pipe.
2Reliability
If a press-fit connector is used to achieve a secure connection, then the joint is reliable, but there is no visual indication that the crimping operation was carried out correctly
Solution Approach 1:
A color-coded verification system is implemented where the outer compression sleeve has a visible portion that changes color or position to indicate successful compression. When the sleeve is properly crimped onto the pipe, a colored band or marker becomes visible, providing immediate visual confirmation that the connection is secure and the operation was performed correctly.
3Force
If the connector is designed with a tight interface to reduce deformation during crimping, then force requirements are reduced, but the joint cannot be demounted for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic compression mechanism where the outer sleeve is designed to be compressed onto the pipe but can be removed by applying sufficient force in the opposite direction. The compression creates friction and mechanical interlocking for secure operation, but the design allows for controlled demounting when needed, providing both low installation force and reusability.
4Reliability
If the inner diameter of the pipe is similar to the diameter within the connector, then the seal is effective, but the joint may pass a pressure test even if the crimping operation was not carried out correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is localized to a specific region where the outer compression sleeve contacts the pipe. The compression creates a localized deformation zone that forms a mechanical seal independent of the overall dimensional tolerances. This localized sealing action ensures that even if the general fit is loose, the compressed region provides reliable sealing that will fail the pressure test if not properly crimped.
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 connector facilitates easy installation with reduced force requirements, ensures proper sealing and secure connections, and allows for reuse, overcoming limitations of press-fit and push-fit connectors, while being scalable and reliable under high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a locking cap made of plastic fitted over the collet and having an inner face with a second screw thread which is complementary to the first screw thread, wherein screwing the locking cap onto the collet from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration causes inward deflection of the collet
Implementation Method 2
screwing the locking cap onto the collet from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration causes inward deflection of the collet to press, in use, the collet onto the pipe
Implementation Method 3
the tubular part having an outer face with at least one projecting feature to seal, in use, with an inner diameter of a pipe placed over the tubular part
Implementation Method 4
the inner face of the collet having at least one tooth to grip the pipe, in use
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector having a body with a tubular part to seal with a pipe. The tubular part has an outer face with a projecting feature to seal with the pipe. A collet is fixed to the body and spaced from the tubular part to form a cavity for the pipe. A locking cap is captive on and screwed onto collet to deflect the collet onto the pipe and the pipe onto the tubular part to seal between the body and the pipe. The collet has through slots at its distal end allowing the pipe to be visible when the connector is locked and unlocked. The inner diameter at an open end of the collet is optionally greater than the inner diameter of the distal part that receives the pipe. A method of forming the connector is also disclosed.