Telescopic Sliding Sleeve for Sealing Different Pipe Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plumbing sleeve solutions face challenges in connecting pipes of different dimensions and require precise cutting to fit within confined spaces, with limited adaptability and high error margins during installation.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve design with telescopic capabilities, featuring two sealing elements of varying compressibility to securely connect pipes of different diameters, allowing for adjustable length and reduced cutting precision requirements, using a cylindrical shape with distinct sealing surfaces and a smooth inner surface for stability and liquid sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sleeve is designed to connect pipes of different dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to requiring multiple sealing elements with different inner diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed as a universal connector that can connect pipes of different dimensions (40mm and 50mm) using a single multi-functional component. The sleeve body incorporates multiple sealing elements with different inner diameters, allowing one sleeve to serve multiple connection purposes that would traditionally require different sized sleeves.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is segmented into distinct functional zones with multiple sealing elements positioned at different locations along the sleeve body. Each sealing element has a specific inner diameter designed for a particular pipe size, creating segmented connection points within a single unified component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipes are cut to exact length for precise fitting, then connection stability is improved, but installation time increases due to high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve design incorporates telescopic capability that allows dynamic adjustment of pipe lengths during installation. Pipes can be inserted to varying degrees into the sleeve, and the telescopic mechanism maintains a stable, leak-proof connection regardless of the exact insertion depth, eliminating the need for precise pre-cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system changes from requiring fixed, precise pipe lengths to accepting variable pipe lengths. The telescopic sleeve adjusts its effective connection parameters to accommodate different insertion depths, transforming the connection from a static, precision-dependent joint to a dynamic, adaptive connection.
3Ease of operation
If one pipe is made shorter to allow cutting of the other pipe, then ease of installation is improved, but the need for additional short pipes increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sleeve serves as a universal adapter that works with pipes of various lengths. Both pipes can be made to standard lengths during manufacturing, and the telescopic mechanism allows one pipe to extend beyond the other during installation, providing the necessary adjustment capability without requiring specially shortened pipes.
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 secure, adjustable connections between pipes of varying diameters, allowing for flexible installation without exact cutting precision, enhancing adaptability and reducing installation errors while maintaining a stable liquid seal.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealing element is configured to be more compressed when sealingly engaged to the first pipe compared to the second sealing element when compressed by and sealingly engaged with the second pipe
Implementation Method 2
the second sealing element when compressed by and sealingly engaged with the second pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A sleeve for sealingly connecting a first pipe and a second pipe, wherein an inner diameter of the first pipe is equal to or larger than an outer diameter of the second pipe, the sleeve comprising: a sleeve body, having an essentially cylindrical shape, a first sealing element configured to sealingly engage an outer surface of the first pipe, the first sealing element comprising a first sealing surface, a second sealing element configured to sealingly engage an outer surface of the second pipe, the second sealing element comprising a second sealing surface, wherein the first sealing surface defines a first inner diameter of the sleeve and the second sealing surface defines a second inner diameter of the sleeve, wherein the first inner diameter is larger than the second inner diameter.