Threaded Pipeline Extension Piece for Fast Axial Length Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitting and expansion pieces for pipelines require time-consuming adjustments using multiple threaded rods and nuts, making handling inefficient and prone to frictional issues during assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A fitting and dismounting piece with axial play in the thread allows for relative rotation of pipe sections, eliminating the need for adjusting nuts and reducing frictional forces by enabling axial displacement without rotation, using screw bolts for connection and potentially a welded spigot end for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple threaded rods and adjusting nuts are used to achieve axial length adjustment, then the fitting and expansion piece can be adjusted in length, but the handling becomes time-consuming and operationally complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial length adjustment capabilityVSAvoidhandling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting and expansion piece is divided into a first pipe section and a second pipe section that can be independently adjusted. The second pipe section is divided into a first portion (inside the first pipe section) and a second portion (outside the first pipe section), allowing separate adjustment of the axial length without affecting the entire structure. This segmentation enables simpler, more efficient adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If threaded rods with adjusting nuts are used for length adjustment, then axial displacement is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adjustment functionalityVSAvoidnumber of adjustment components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex adjustment mechanism with multiple threaded rods and adjusting nuts is extracted and replaced by a simpler design. The second pipe section is directly displaceable within the first pipe section, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment components. Only essential fastening elements (screw bolts or welding) remain, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining length adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the second piece of pipe is unscrewed for axial displacement, then length adjustment is possible, but frictional forces between the mounting flange and sealing element cause handling problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial displacement capabilityVSAvoidfrictional forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the first and second pipe sections is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The second pipe section can be easily inserted and removed from the first pipe section without requiring unscrewing operations that generate friction. The fastening mechanism (screw bolts or welding) provides secure connection when needed while allowing friction-free axial displacement during installation and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates faster and easier axial length adjustment with reduced frictional forces, improving handling efficiency and ensuring secure sealing with a radially acting seal, suitable for various fastening configurations including plastic materials.

Implementation Method 1

the extent of the axial play corresponds to at least one sealing compression of a sealing element between the fastening device designed as a fastening flange of the second pipe section and a flange contact surface of another component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

at least one unthreaded section has a radially acting seal which serves to seal the Fit game between the two pieces of pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3683481B1Fitting and extension piece for pipelines
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 REINERT RITZ
  • EP3683481B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3683481B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Described and illustrated is a fitting and expansion piece for pipelines, in particular for arrangement between a pipeline and a fitting, comprising a first pipe section and a second pipe section, wherein the second pipe section is arranged to be axially displaceable within the first pipe section in order to allow an axial change in length of the fitting and expansion piece, and wherein the first and the second pipe section each have a fastening device at their opposite ends, which may be designed as a fastening flange and/or as a pipe end, wherein the first pipe section has an internal thread on an inner circumferential surface and the second pipe section has an external thread on an outer circumferential surface, wherein the threads interact with each other to change the axial length of the fitting and expansion piece by means of a relative rotation of both pipe sections relative to each other.