Tubular Pipe Coupling with Segmented Positive-Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting tubular pipe elements of equal or unequal outer diameters lack the necessary mechanical stability and flexibility to facilitate simple and reliable connections, especially when dealing with significantly different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising hollow cylindrical coupling parts with positive-locking elements that engage axially and peripherally, allowing for radial movement and frictional connections, enabling the connection of pipe elements with varying diameters while maintaining mechanical stability through a combination of positive-locking and frictional engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coupling device is used to connect pipe elements of significantly different outer diameters, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate coupling parts (first coupling part and second coupling part), each optimized for specific pipe diameter ranges. This segmentation allows each part to provide optimal mechanical stability for its designated size range while the system as a whole achieves adaptability across different diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device achieves universality by combining multiple coupling parts with different geometries into a single system. Each coupling part is designed with specific features (different wall thicknesses, diameters, and positive-locking element configurations) to handle specific pipe diameter ranges, allowing the overall device to connect pipes of significantly different outer diameters while maintaining mechanical stability.
2Reliability
If positive-locking elements are used to ensure mechanical stability, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive-locking mechanism is segmented into multiple elements distributed around the coupling parts. Instead of one complex locking mechanism, several simpler positive-locking elements are arranged circumferentially, each contributing to overall connection reliability while keeping individual element design simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The positive-locking elements are integrated directly into the coupling parts themselves rather than being separate components. The coupling parts are designed with built-in positive-locking features (protrusions, recesses, or interlocking geometries) that combine the coupling function and locking function into a single unified structure, reducing overall device complexity.
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 device provides a stable, reliable, and flexible connection between tubular pipe elements of equal or unequal diameters, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without damage, and can adapt to different diameters, ensuring a secure and leak-proof fluid pathway.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for radial movement and frictional connections, enabling the connection of pipe elements with varying diameters while maintaining mechanical stability through a combination of positive-locking and frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting two tubular pipe elements, including a hollow cylindrical coupling device (4) with a hollow cylindrical first coupling device part (5) arranged on a first pipe element (2), and a hollow cylindrical second coupling device part (6) arranged on the second pipe element (3) that is axially connected to the first pipe element (2), wherein at least one first positive-locking element (7) is arranged on the first coupling device part (5) and at least one second positive-locking element (8) is arranged on the second coupling device part (6). The at least one first positive-locking element (7) arranged on the first coupling device part (5) and the at least one second positive-locking element (6) arranged on the second coupling device part (6) are designed to engage in a positive-locking manner, forming an axial connection of the first coupling device part (5) with the second coupling device part (6).