Pipe Coupling Assembly With Spherical Joint for Contaminated Dryers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drying devices for clothing in harsh environments, such as ships or offshore structures, face challenges with robustness and resilience due to frequent changing forces and contamination, particularly in the pipe coupling system connecting carrying handles to supply pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system where at least one pipe is detachably connected to the coupling body in a form-fitting manner, allowing limited axial and tilting mobility, which absorbs forces as kinetic energy and compensates for force peaks, while also being tolerant to contamination, using quick-release fasteners and sealing rings for enhanced robustness and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid, play-free form-fitting connection is used between the pipe and coupling body, then connection strength and stability are improved, but the system becomes highly sensitive to contamination and cannot accommodate changing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a spherical connection element that allows controlled movement and rotation within the coupling body. Instead of a rigid fixed connection, the spherical element enables the pipe to dynamically adapt to changing forces and misalignments while maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic capability simultaneously reduces sensitivity to contamination during installation and accommodates varying operational forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed, non-detachable connection is used, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into separable components: a pipe with spherical connection element, a coupling body with receiving chamber, and a detachable closure element. This segmentation enables the connection to be easily assembled and disassembled when needed, while maintaining stability during operation. The closure element provides secure locking during use but allows quick release when detachment is required.
3Force
If a rigid connection structure is used to withstand changing forces, then force resistance is improved, but the system becomes more complex and less tolerant to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the degrees of freedom provided by the spherical connection element. The spherical geometry allows rotation and angular movement, changing the mechanical parameters of the connection from fixed to variable. This enables the system to accommodate changing forces and misalignments through movement rather than requiring a complex rigid structure with multiple adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe coupling system (1) for a garment drying device, for detachably connecting a carrying frame formed from pipes to a supply pipe (3) so that a gaseous medium guided through the supply pipe (3) flows through the carrying frame, wherein the pipe coupling system (1) comprises a coupling body (2) and several pipes connected to the coupling body (2). To increase robustness, the invention provides that at least one pipe is detachably connected to the coupling body (2) in such a form-fit manner that axial movement of the pipe relative to the coupling body (2) is limited.