Segmented Clamping Ring for Pipe Connections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe connection devices for spigot and socket ends face challenges in providing pull-out protection and sealing effectiveness across varying pipe diameters, are sensitive to dirt, and require time-consuming screw-based tensioning, limiting adaptability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

The pipe connection device features pins and recesses allowing for displacement and rotation of links, a sealing ring that covers the entire circumference, and a quick-clamping mechanism using conical surfaces and screw elements, along with a dirt-sealing lip and grip elements to ensure secure, adaptable, and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional screw-based tensioning is used to clamp the clamping ring, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring is divided into multiple independent links connected by pins and recesses, allowing each link to be adjusted and clamped independently rather than requiring uniform tightening of the entire ring with multiple screws

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The links are designed with mobility relative to each other through pins in elongated recesses, enabling the clamping ring to adapt dynamically to different pipe diameters and maintain effective clamping without requiring extensive screw tightening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the clamping ring is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different pipe diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring is segmented into multiple links that can move relative to each other, providing adaptability to different pipe diameters while maintaining overall structural integrity through the interconnected pin-and-recess mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The links are designed with controlled mobility through pins in elongated recesses, allowing the clamping ring to dynamically adjust its inner diameter to match different pipe sizes while maintaining sufficient clamping force for secure connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the clamping ring is made flexible to adapt to different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and clamping force decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe diametersVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring is divided into links that provide flexibility for diameter adaptation while the pin connections maintain structural coherence, allowing each link to move independently without compromising the overall clamping structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The links are designed with controlled mobility through pins in elongated recesses, enabling the clamping ring to adapt to different diameters while the interconnected structure maintains sufficient clamping force through the collective action of all links

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If conventional sealing methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but sensitivity to dirt and contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsensitivity to dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is extracted from the clamping mechanism itself and implemented through a separate sealing ring, allowing the clamping links to focus on mechanical fastening while the sealing ring provides dedicated sealing that is less sensitive to dirt and contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a secure, adaptable, and easy-to-use pipe connection that withstands high pull-out forces and pressures, maintains sealing integrity, and reduces installation time by utilizing a quick-clamping system that minimizes the need for extensive screw tightening.

Implementation Method 1

This is usually achieved via wedge surfaces, whereby a ring is pressed against the shank end in a self-locking manner during a pull-out movement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

a ring is pressed against the shank end in a self-locking manner during a pull-out movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2561260B1Pipe connecting device
Publication Date: 2014.12.03 E HAWLE ARMATURENWERKE GMBH
  • EP2561260B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2561260B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2561260B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe connection devices for securely and sealingly connecting an insertion end (1) to a coupling (2) having a clamp ring (4) made of a plurality of elements (3) disposed so as to be displaceable relative to one another in the circumferential direction, comprising a variable circumference and that can be clamped against a coupling ring (6) by means of a clamping ring (5), wherein the clamping ring (5) comprises a clamping taper surface (7) and the coupling ring (6) comprises a coupling taper surface (8), and wherein the two taper surfaces (7, 8) face in the direction of the clamping ring and center axis (10), and wherein the width (9) of the clamping ring (4) reduces as the distances from the center axis (10) increases, wherein the elements (3) each comprise an insertion segment (14) and a receiving segment (15), such that the receiving segment (15) comprises side flanges (16) at least partially laterally enclosing the insertion segment (14) of the succeeding element in the region of the clamping taper surface (7) and the coupling taper surface (8).