Unified Press Sleeve Geometry for Rigid and Flexible Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of on-site piping system installations is heightened by the need for multiple press jaws and tools to accommodate different pipe diameters and types, leading to increased effort and logistical challenges due to the lack of standardized fitting geometries for rigid and flexible pipes.
Innovation Solution
Designing fittings with press sleeves that have matching outer contours, allowing the same pressing tool and jaw to be used for both rigid and flexible pipes, thereby reducing the number of tools required and simplifying the installation process by using the same pressing contour for both types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different press jaws and tools are used for rigid and flexible pipes, then the connection can be made tight and secure, but the tool complexity and on-site effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing press sleeves with standardized outer contours that can be used for both rigid and flexible pipes. The press sleeve geometry is made compatible across different pipe types, allowing a single pressing tool to perform multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate press jaws for rigid and flexible pipes, reducing tool complexity while maintaining reliable connections for both pipe types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple press jaws are kept on hand for different pipes, then various pipe types can be connected, but the on-site effort and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The press sleeve design enables a single tool to handle both rigid and flexible pipes through standardized outer contours, eliminating the need to switch between multiple press jaws during installation. This universal design maintains adaptability to different pipe types while significantly reducing on-site installation time by eliminating tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of separate press jaws for rigid and flexible pipes into a single unified press sleeve design. By combining the pressing capabilities for both pipe types into one standardized component, the system reduces the number of tools needed and simplifies the installation process.
3Device complexity
If standardized press sleeve geometries are used for both rigid and flexible pipes, then tool complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by standardizing only the outer contour geometry of the press sleeves that interfaces with the pressing tool, while allowing internal geometries to remain optimized for specific pipe types. This approach reduces device complexity for the pressing operation while maintaining the manufacturing precision needed only where it matters most - at the pressing interface.
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 approach enables efficient installation of both rigid and flexible pipes with reduced tool complexity and time, ensuring a tight and secure connection while minimizing flow losses due to similar external diameters, thus simplifying site operations and reducing production and storage complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a press jaw deforms the press section of a fitting radially inwards with the pipe section inserted, creating a permanent and tight, and potentially even inseparable, connection
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1f
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for connecting rigid pipes (4) and flexible pipes (6), wherein the pipes (4, 6) have corresponding outer diameters, with a press jaw (10; 110) having a press contour (8; 108), with at least one first fitting (20; 120) for press connection to a rigid pipe (4), wherein the at least one first fitting (20; 120) has a first press sleeve (21; 121) with a first outer contour (22; 122), with at least one second fitting (40; 140) for press connection to a flexible pipe (6), wherein the at least one second fitting (40; 140) has a second press sleeve (41; 141) with a second outer contour (42; 142), wherein the outer contour (22; 122) of the first press sleeve (21; 121) and the The outer contour (42; 142) of the second press sleeve (41; 141) is adapted at least partially to the press contour (8; 108) of the press jaw (10; 110) and is formed by the press jaw (10;110) are pressable and wherein the outer contours (22; 122; 42; 142) of the first press sleeve (21; 121) and the second press sleeve (41; 141) coincide at least partially. This system solves the technical problem of simplifying the on-site effort for installing piping systems. The task is, in particular, to specify suitable combinations of fittings for rigid and flexible pipes.