Flexible Tap Tee Fitting With Push-to-Lock Tabs for Corrugated Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tap tee fittings are difficult to install in corrugated plastic drain pipes due to the need to forcefully depress a securing ridge, making it challenging to connect laterals to both single-wall and double-wall corrugated main pipes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible unitary tap tee fitting with a 'Push-to-Lock' mechanism, featuring split longitudinal tabs with canted circumferential ridges and reinforcement ribs, allowing easy installation by deflecting inwardly to pass through holes in both single-wall and double-wall pipes and locking securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tap tee fitting with a securing ridge is used, then the fitting can be installed in corrugated main pipes, but the installer must forcefully depress the securing ridge making installation difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The securing ridge is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically deflect during installation. The ridge can bend inwardly to pass through the hole in the main pipe and then spring back to its original position to lock the fitting securely, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic flexible one that adapts to installation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member is segmented into multiple longitudinal tabs separated by slots, with each tab having its own securing ridge. This segmentation allows each tab to deflect independently during installation, making the overall fitting easier to install while maintaining secure locking when all tabs return to their locked positions
2Strength
If a rigid tap tee fitting is used, then the fitting provides structural strength, but it is difficult to install through holes in corrugated main pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting transitions from a rigid state during normal operation to a flexible state during installation. The securing ridges and tabs are designed to be flexible enough to deflect during installation but rigid enough to provide structural strength when locked in position, achieving both installation ease and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the fitting are optimized to exhibit different mechanical characteristics under different conditions. The plastic material is selected to have appropriate flexibility for installation deflection while maintaining sufficient strength for structural support, changing its effective parameters based on the operational phase
3Ease of operation
If the tubular member is made flexible for easy installation, then installation becomes easier, but the fitting may be crushed when attached to the lateral drain pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is divided into multiple longitudinal tabs rather than being a continuous rigid structure. This segmentation allows the tabs to deflect independently during installation while the reinforcement ribs provide localized strength to prevent crushing, distributing the mechanical stresses throughout the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting combines flexible plastic material with integrated reinforcement ribs to create a composite structure. The plastic provides flexibility for installation while the reinforcement ribs (which may be of different material or structural configuration) provide crush resistance, achieving both ease of installation and structural integrity
4Adaptability or versatility
If different tap tee fittings are used for single-wall and double-wall corrugated pipes, then the fitting can be optimized for each pipe type, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tap tee fitting is designed as a universal component that can be installed in both single-wall and double-wall corrugated pipes. The flexible tabs and securing ridges adapt to different pipe wall constructions, and the reinforcement ribs provide the necessary support for various pipe types, eliminating the need for separate fitting variants
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting's flexible parameters (tab deflection, ridge positioning) allow it to adapt to different pipe types without changing the fundamental design. The same fitting structure can accommodate variations in pipe wall thickness and construction by adjusting its deflection characteristics during installation
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
Enables effortless and secure connection of laterals to corrugated main pipes through an automatic 'Push-to-Lock' operation, suitable for various pipe diameters, including single-wall and double-wall constructions, without risking crushing.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the tabs has a circumferential ridge at the first end, said ridge having an outer face canted towards the first end... allowing easy installation by deflecting inwardly to pass through holes
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tap tee fitting for attaching a plastic drain pipe to a corrugated plastic drain pipe main of single-wall or double-wall construction. The tap tee fitting has a plurality of elongated tabs, some long and some short, with a circumferential ridge on the ends. The ridge biases the tabs inwardly as the tap tee fitting is pushed through a hole in the main and locks on the inside of main. The long elongated tabs engage the wall of a single-wall main and the short elongated tabs engage the wall of a double-wall main.