Splicing Ring for High-Pressure Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splicing solutions for high-pressure fluid conduits fail to provide a secure, hermetic seal and adequate protection against expansion and movement due to temperature changes, particularly in conduits made from materials like polypropylene, and lack stability and fixation of outer rings over inner rings.

Innovation Solution

A splicing ring design featuring two metal bands with preformed edges that lock around the perimeter of an O-ring, providing protection and a robust welded joint with elongated dies for enhanced contact and stability, ensuring a secure seal and preventing accidental movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal rings are used to join conduit segments, then a hermetic seal is achieved, but the joints are insufficient against thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehermetic sealVSAvoidjoint stability under thermal changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the splicing ring by introducing an oval cross-section with flattened sides, creating gaps that accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the conduit. This parameter modification allows the rigid metal ring to work effectively with thermally sensitive materials like polypropylene.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The splicing ring is divided into two separate half-rings that are positioned on opposite sides of the conduit. This segmentation allows each half to independently adapt to thermal changes while maintaining the hermetic seal through the O-ring compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If O-rings are used for sealing, then hermetic joints are achieved, but the O-ring edges deteriorate due to lack of protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehermetic sealVSAvoidO-ring service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protective elements (the flattened sides of the oval splicing ring) that act as intermediaries between the O-ring edges and the external environment. These protective surfaces prevent direct exposure to deterioration factors while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates protective surfaces on the splicing ring that beforehand cushion and protect the O-ring edges from mechanical damage and deterioration, extending the service life of the sealing element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional splicing rings are used, then joining is achieved, but movement and accidental displacement occur under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining capabilityVSAvoidjoint stability under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the cross-sectional parameters of the splicing ring to create an oval shape with flattened sides, increasing the contact surface area with the conduit. This parameter change enhances friction and mechanical interlocking, preventing movement under high pressure while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If rigid metal rings are used, then structural strength is achieved, but adaptability to thermal expansion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidadaptability to thermal changes
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rigid metal ring by introducing an oval cross-section with controlled gaps, allowing the structure to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining its strength and rigidity for high-pressure applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 splicing ring achieves a secure, hermetic seal and enhanced stability by protecting the O-ring edges and providing a robust welded joint, effectively preventing movement and deterioration, thus ensuring reliable high-pressure fluid conduit connections.

Implementation Method 1

the flexibility required to absorb the expansions and movements caused by the pressure whereto the conduit is subjected by the passage of the fluid through the interior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the welded joint between the outer and inner metal rings will be enhanced thanks to elongated dies made in the outer band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS9200733B2Splicing ring for tubular high-pressure fluid conduits
Publication Date: 2015.12.01 UNIONES APROL SA
  • US9200733B2 patent drawing
  • US9200733B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A splicing ring for tubular high-pressure fluid conduits includes an inner metal ring formed of two independent and identical band halves having side edges. The side edges are folded downwards at a right angle and are configured as positioning and retaining elements of an O-ring. The O-ring rests upon the ends of the two tubular conduits to be spliced.