Spigot-and-socket joint with segmented locking elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket connections for pipes are complex to handle, costly to produce, and have limitations in functionality, particularly in terms of ease of assembly and pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
The socket connection features evenly spaced recesses on the sleeve end for improved stress distribution and reduced wall thickness, with identical ring segment locking elements and a flexible holding element made of EPDM, allowing for easier handling and increased bendability, along with a specialized sealing ring design for enhanced sealing and reduced assembly forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking elements are used to secure the spigot end, then the connection reliability is improved, but the handling complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate locking elements are merged into a single locking element with two locking parts, reducing the number of components from two to one while maintaining the same connection reliability through distributed locking points
2Strength
If locking elements are distributed evenly around the socket end, then the stress distribution is improved and wall thickness can be reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into two identical locking parts that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together, allowing for simplified manufacturing of each individual part while achieving even stress distribution when installed
Solution Approach 2:
The two locking parts are designed to be identical and interchangeable, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce both parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining even stress distribution around the socket end
3Device complexity
If a single opening is used for inserting locking elements, then the device structure is simplified, but the alignment precision and assembly accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a single opening (one-dimensional insertion point) to multiple openings arranged circumferentially (two-dimensional distribution), enabling both simplified structure and improved alignment precision through the geometric arrangement of multiple access points
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking element web is positioned to connect locking parts, then the structural stability is improved, but the bendability of the pipe connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into separate locking parts connected by a web, where the web is strategically positioned to minimize interference with pipe bending while maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the locking mechanism
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 design simplifies handling, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances functional reliability, and allows for higher pressure resistance with a smaller wall thickness, enabling easier pipe alignment and reduced need for additional fittings during installation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible holding element (46), in particular made of EPDM
Implementation Method 2
the total of four locking parts of which rest evenly spaced in the circumferential direction of the sleeve end. This has the advantage that the distribution of the stresses in the socket is evened out
Implementation Method 3
the section of which directed towards the socket end is delimited by a conical surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a spigot-and-socket joint for connecting two pipes, pipe fittings, or similar. Said spigot-and-socket joint comprises a socket end (16) which is assigned to one pipe and into which a spigot end of the other pipe can be inserted, said other pipe being provided with a support strip (64). The socket end (16) is fitted with a radially inward-protruding edge (20) with at least one ring segment-shaped recess (26 to 29). The inventive spigot-and-socket joint further comprises a mechanism (40) for locking the spigot end in the socket end, the locking action being obtained by the support strip resting against the locking mechanism and the locking mechanism resting against the edge. The locking mechanism is equipped with at least two ring segment-shaped locking elements. The disclosed spigot-and-socket joint is characterized in that at least four recesses (26 to 29) are provided which are equidistantly disposed in the circumferential direction while the two locking elements are each fitted with two ring segment-shaped locking parts (52, 54) which are interconnected via one respective web (56). The space between the two locking parts of a locking element matches the space between two recesses.