Vacuum-Assisted Pipe Joining for Uniform Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a method and apparatus to facilitate the joining of pipes, particularly in confined spaces and at variable angles, to simplify the installation of branch connections in piping systems while ensuring a strong and liquid-tight seal.
Innovation Solution
The method involves heating the mating surfaces of the pipes to their softening temperature and using a vacuum to create negative pressure, which pushes the pipes together, allowing for even pressure distribution and a consistent joint, eliminating the need for manual hand pressure and accommodating skewed angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hand pressure is applied to push pipes together during joining, then the pipes can be connected, but the pressure distribution is inconsistent and the operation is awkward when pipes are skewed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure application with a vacuum system. A vacuum source creates negative pressure within the pipe, which automatically pushes the pipe ends together with uniform distribution around the entire periphery, eliminating the inconsistency of manual hand pressure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vacuum (negative pressure) as a pneumatic mechanism to achieve pipe joining. The vacuum source creates a pressure differential that forces the softened pipe ends together uniformly, providing consistent pressure distribution without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision
2Strength
If the pipe angle is adjusted to achieve equal pressure distribution, then the joint strength is improved, but the angle deviates from the intended angle
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system allows the pipe to be pushed together uniformly without requiring precise angular alignment. The negative pressure distributes force evenly around the periphery, enabling the pipe to self-align and achieve equal pressure distribution even with angular deviations, thus maintaining joint strength while reducing the need for precise angle control
3Strength
If heating is applied to raise pipe temperature above softening point, then the pipes can be joined, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermal softening with vacuum assistance to simplify the overall joining process. While heating is still required to soften the pipe material, the vacuum system automatically provides the forcing action that would otherwise require complex mechanical alignment and pressure application devices, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining strong joints
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 and strong pipe connections at various angles, ensuring a liquid-tight seal and reducing the complexity of installation in confined spaces, with improved consistency and strength compared to manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
heating the distal end of the first pipe and the second pipe with a heater until the distal end(s) of the first pipe and the second pipe have reached a softening temperature
Implementation Method 2
creating a negative pressure within a cavity of the first pipe after the contacting step so that the distal end of the first pipe is pushed into the second pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for joining pipes includes a plate for melting mating surfaces of the pipes to be joined. Additionally, the apparatus utilizes a vacuum in order to push the first and second pipes together in lieu of hand or mechanical pressure which may be inconsistent. Additionally, the vacuum allows the pipes to be joined to settle on each other in order to create a pressure about a periphery of the end of the pipe being joined to the other pipe. The consistent pressure creates a very strong joint between the first and second pipes.