Universal Tooth Geometry for Pipe Clamping Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connection devices for spigot and socket connections are inflexible, expensive, cumbersome, and provide inadequate pull-out protection, especially when dealing with different pipe materials and dimensions, and are not robust against environmental influences and wear.

Innovation Solution

A pipe connection device featuring a clamping ring with movable elements and a securing element with main and secondary teeth, where the main tooth is inclined against the pull-out force and has an undercut, and the teeth are designed to penetrate the spigot end under clamping force, providing a secure and flexible connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different teeth are inserted into the clamping ring depending on the pipe material, then pull-out protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed with a universal tooth geometry that can effectively engage with different pipe materials (plastic, cast iron, steel) without requiring material-specific variations. The single tooth design with optimized dimensions serves multiple functions across different application scenarios, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tooth types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adapting the tooth geometry to match each pipe material type, the invention inverts the approach by designing the tooth to actively penetrate and engage with the pipe surface regardless of material. The tooth is configured to create effective mechanical interlocking through its geometric design rather than through material-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If different teeth are inserted into the clamping ring depending on the pipe material, then pull-out protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull-out protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element with its universal tooth design can be manufactured as a single standardized component, significantly reducing tooling costs, inventory requirements, and assembly complexity compared to producing multiple material-specific tooth variants. This standardization directly lowers manufacturing expenses while maintaining effective pull-out protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple material-specific teeth into a single universal tooth design. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes, storage, and handling of different tooth types, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs and simplifying production logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a clamping ring with movable links is used to adapt to different pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different pipe dimensionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring is divided into multiple movable links that can independently adjust their positions relative to each other. This segmentation allows the ring to flex and conform to various pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each link acts as an independent degree of freedom that contributes to the adaptive capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2758700B2Pipe connecting device and method for production thereof
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 E HAWLE ARMATURENWERKE GMBH
  • EP2758700B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2758700B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2758700B2 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a pipe connecting device and a method for producing a locking element for the separation-proof and sealing connection of an insertion end (1) to a sleeve (2), wherein the pipe connecting device comprises a substantially closed clamping ring (4) which has a variable circumference and is comprised of a number of members (3) moveably arranged relative to one another which can be pressed by force transmission means (14) with a tensioning force (S) against the insertion end (1). A locking element (8) is provided on at least one member, said element having having teeth (5,6) pointing towards the insertion end and each tooth having a base, a first tooth flank, a second tooth flank and a tip. At least one tooth (5,6) is designed to be wider in the base region than in the tip region and wherein at least one tooth (5,6) has an undercut.