Interchangeable Socket Ring Sealing for Multi-Diameter Pipe Couplings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sanitary systems require multiple siphon models and connection sections to accommodate varying pipe diameters, leading to increased stock requirements and complex installations.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly with a socket and interchangeable ring, featuring internal and external seals, allows for adaptation to different pipe diameters through a single piece ring design with bi-injected seals, ensuring easy installation and secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple siphon models and connection sections are used to accommodate varying pipe diameters, then adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but device complexity and stock requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe sizesVSAvoidnumber of siphon models
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple pipe diameters (32mm, 40mm, 50mm) through the interchangeable ring mechanism. The main socket body remains the same while different rings are attached to adapt to various pipe sizes, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple complete siphon models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection assembly is segmented into distinct components: a main socket body and interchangeable rings. This segmentation allows the ring portion to be changed independently to match different pipe diameters, while the main socket structure remains constant, reducing the need to stock multiple complete assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection sections are used to accommodate varying pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the number of parts and installation steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe sizesVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring and seal are merged into a single integrated component. The seal is molded directly onto the ring, eliminating the need for separate seal pieces and reducing the total number of parts. This integrated design simplifies the assembly while maintaining adaptability to different pipe sizes through ring interchangeability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple connection sections with different seals are used for different pipe diameters, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and stock requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of connection sections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is designed with local quality variations through its dual-seal structure: an internal seal for sealing against the pipe and an external seal for sealing against the socket. Each seal is optimized for its specific sealing location, ensuring reliable sealing effectiveness while using a single integrated ring component rather than multiple different connection sections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces the number of required parts and installation steps, providing a versatile and efficient connection system that adapts to various pipe sizes with enhanced sealing and ease of assembly.

Implementation Method 1

an internal seal for sealing between the ring and a pipe to be inserted, the internal seal having a lip which extends between an anchoring end on the second outer face and a seal free end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an external seal provided in compression in the socket between the ring and the socket for sealing between the ring and the socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4112987B1Fitting assembly comprising a socket and an interchangeable ring
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 RACCORDS & PLASTIQUES NICOLL SA
  • EP4112987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4112987B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4112987B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

The present invention provides a coupling assembly comprising a socket (10) and an interchangeable ring mounted in the free end of the socket. The ring includes a ring body extending axially between a first, inner face (31) and a second, outer face (32) on the free end of the socket. The ring comprises an external seal (40) on the ring body provided in compression in the socket between the ring and the socket, and an internal seal for sealing between the ring and a pipe to be inserted, the internal seal having a lip which extends between an anchoring end on the second outer face and a free end.