Interchangeable Socket Ring for Multi-Diameter Pipe Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sanitary systems require a multitude of siphon models and connection sections to accommodate varying pipe diameters, leading to increased complexity and inventory needs for installers.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a socket with an interchangeable ring that adapts to different pipe diameters through a gasketed ring, providing both internal and external seals for secure connections, and centering tabs for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple siphon models are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then adaptability to various pipe sizes is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
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 a single socket model multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is divided into separable components: a main socket body and interchangeable rings. This segmentation allows the ring portion to be changed without replacing the entire socket, enabling adaptation to different pipe diameters while keeping the main structure constant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection sections are maintained in stock, then adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but loss of substance and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding or storing multiple complete connection sections, the design allows keeping a single socket and recovering/reusing it with different rings attached. Only the small, lightweight rings need to be stored in multiple sizes, significantly reducing inventory space and material requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed diameter socket is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system transitions from a fixed diameter design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The interchangeable rings allow the effective inner diameter of the socket to change based on the attached ring, enabling a single manufactured socket to serve multiple diameter requirements.
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
This solution simplifies installation by reducing the number of parts and steps required, ensuring secure connections across various pipe diameters without the need for multiple siphon models, thus streamlining the connection process and reducing inventory needs.
Implementation Method 1
an external seal provided in compression in the socket between the ring and the socket for sealing between the ring and the socket
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
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.