Universal Pipe Socket Closure Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure elements for pipe sockets require multiple designs to prevent mixing, leading to high manufacturing and logistical costs due to the need for different elements for different socket dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A universal closure element with an insertion section for one pipe socket and a slip-on section for another, featuring a support portion that secures the element to both sockets, reducing the need for multiple designs and preventing mixing, while being compact and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different closure elements are used for different pipe sockets to prevent mixing, then the reliability of preventing interchanging is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and logistical effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed with a universal structure that can fit multiple pipe socket sizes. The body (1) includes an insertion section (2) for inserting into the pipe socket, a support section (3) for supporting the outer circumference of the pipe socket, and a closure section (4) for closing the pipe socket. This multi-functional design allows a single closure element to serve multiple pipe socket dimensions, eliminating the need for different colored closure elements for different sizes while maintaining reliable prevention of interchanging.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single closure element is used for multiple pipe socket sizes, then the manufacturing costs are reduced, but the reliability of preventing interchanging may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element employs local quality differentiation through its support section (3) which has specific geometric features designed to match corresponding features on different pipe socket sizes. The support section (3) includes support surfaces and geometric constraints that locally adapt to different pipe socket dimensions, ensuring that the closure element can be reliably fitted to multiple sizes while maintaining the prevention of incorrect interchanging. This local adaptation allows cost reduction through single-part manufacturing while preserving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the closure element is designed to fit tightly on the pipe socket, then the protection against dust and scratches is improved, but the ease of installation and removal may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element incorporates dynamic characteristics through its support section (3) which is designed with elastic or resilient properties. The support section (3) can deform elastically during installation to accommodate the pipe socket outer circumference, providing a tight fit for dust and scratch protection. During removal, the elastic properties allow the support section to flex and release from the pipe socket, maintaining ease of operation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between tight protection and easy installation/removal.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The element (1) has an insertion section (4) that is inserted into a pipe socket (2). A mounting section (5) is provided on a pipe socket (3). A support portion (6) is provided to support an external periphery portion of the pipe socket (2) and an inner circumference portion of the pipe socket (3). The insertion section is protruded from a closed end of a closure element portion towards an open end of the closure element portion.