Trapezoidal Thread Pipe Connection for High Axial Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for connecting pressure/discharge tubes to plant walls fail to securely lock the connection, especially when high axial forces are applied, leading to potential disconnection and increased downtimes in processes like cement production and waste incineration.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a trapezoidal thread design for the pressure/discharge tube connection, which includes a coupling element with two trapezoidal threaded regions, ensuring high axial force absorption and 100% locking security through a locking body with a bayonet catch and trapezoidal threads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connection devices are used for pressure/discharge tubes, then assembly is simple, but locking security is insufficient under high axial forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is divided into distinct functional segments: a bayonet catch mechanism for initial engagement and positioning, and a trapezoidal thread mechanism for force absorption and locking. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the bayonet catch providing quick alignment and the trapezoidal thread providing secure locking under axial loads, thereby achieving high reliability without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism combines two different mechanical engagement principles: the bayonet catch (providing positional stability and alignment) and the trapezoidal thread (providing force absorption and locking). This composite approach integrates the advantages of both mechanisms - the quick engagement of bayonet-style connections with the high axial force resistance of trapezoidal threads - to achieve superior locking security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If trapezoidal thread is used for connection, then axial force absorption is high, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial force absorptionVSAvoidthread structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trapezoidal thread geometry is specifically optimized with precise parameters (thread angle, pitch, and profile) to maximize axial force absorption efficiency. By carefully selecting and standardizing these geometric parameters, the thread structure achieves high force absorption capability while maintaining manufacturability and assembly feasibility, balancing performance with complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If connection security is enhanced with locking mechanisms, then disconnection prevention improves, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet catch mechanism performs preliminary engagement and positioning actions before the trapezoidal threading is fully engaged. This preliminary action aligns the components correctly and initiates the locking sequence, allowing the subsequent threading operation to proceed efficiently without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing overall assembly time while maintaining high connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 trapezoidal thread design effectively absorbs high axial forces, providing secure and reliable connections that prevent disconnection, thereby minimizing downtimes and ensuring efficient deposit removal in industrial processes.

Implementation Method 1

the thread design ensures that high axial forces are absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

axial forces that have to be absorbed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2683976B1Pressure/discharge pipe connection
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 ATD ABBAUSYST
  • EP2683976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2683976B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device (1) for the releasable connection of a pressure/discharge pipe (2) that is subjected to axial forces during use to a further piece of pipe (3) is intended to provide a solution by which such pressure gas pipes can not only be connected to the corresponding wall of the plant but can also be locked extremely securely, even when, for example, high axial forces are exerted on the pressure gas pipe. This is achieved by providing a heavy-duty external thread (6) on one pipe or piece of pipe (2) and a heavy-duty internal thread (6a) on the other pipe or piece of pipe.