Transition Fitting With Integrated Electrofusion Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition fittings for connecting plastic pipes to different materials require high installation effort, large space, and can constrict the pipeline, affecting flow due to their long length and separate components that need pre-assembly and ultrasonic welding.
Innovation Solution
The electrofusion fitting is injection molded positively and inseparably onto a connection element with a fastening and overmolding area, ensuring a form-fitting connection without an inner nipple, maintaining the pipeline's inner diameter and using a heating element for welding, along with a sealing element and clamping mechanism for efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (fitting and electrofusion coupling) are used and pre-assembled with ultrasonic welding, then the connection between different pipe materials is achieved, but the installation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fitting and electrofusion coupling into a single integrated transition fitting component. The electrofusion coupling is molded directly onto the fitting body, eliminating the need for separate components and ultrasonic welding pre-assembly. This merging reduces installation steps and time while maintaining connection reliability between different pipe materials.
2Ease of operation
If a nipple is added to the fitting for pipe insertion, then the connection function is enabled, but the inner cross-section is narrowed and flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the insertion guidance features directly into the electrofusion coupling portion that is already molded onto the fitting. The electrofusion coupling includes an internal nipple or guidance structure that is nested within the overall transition fitting geometry, allowing pipe insertion without adding external protrusions that would restrict flow in the main pipeline.
3Reliability
If intermediate plastic sections are used to connect pipes, then the transition between materials is achieved, but the overall installation length and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intermediate plastic section function directly into the transition fitting body. The electrofusion coupling is molded onto the fitting, creating an integrated component that performs both the material transition and the electrofusion connection in a single element, eliminating the need for separate intermediate sections and reducing overall installation length.
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 solution results in a transition fitting with a short overall length, simplified assembly, and no constriction of the pipeline, ensuring a secure and efficient connection while maintaining the pipeline's inner diameter and flow integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an electrofusion fitting made of weldable plastic, wherein the electrofusion fitting has a heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
Transition fitting for connecting a plastic pipe end to an existing connection, comprising a connection element for adapting to an existing connection, wherein the connection element has a fastening area and an overmolding area, a sealing element for creating a tight seal between the connection element and the electrofusion fitting, an electrofusion fitting made of weldable plastic, wherein the electrofusion fitting has a heating element, wherein the electrofusion fitting is molded or injection-molded onto the connection element in a form-fitting and inseparable manner.