Variable Diameter Pipe Sleeve With Conical Central Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connection methods fail to efficiently connect pipes with different external diameters due to the need for multiple compensating rings, which are complicated and uneconomical, and lack suitable three-dimensional deformation capacity, affecting the seal and stability of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve arrangement with cylindrical contact areas and a conical central section that can be adjusted to fit different diameters, featuring a spring cage design with axial slots for deformation, allowing for reliable self-centering and lateral force transfer without the need for compensating rings, using encircling clips and a sealing sleeve in direct contact with the pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compensating rings are used to connect pipes with different external diameters, then the connection can accommodate diameter differences, but the device complexity increases and multiple types of compensating rings must be kept in stock
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing sleeve is designed as a universal component that can connect pipes with different external diameters through its deformable structure. The sleeve incorporates a central section with deformation capacity that allows it to adapt to various diameter differences without requiring different types of compensating rings, thus eliminating the need for multiple stock items while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing sleeve features a dynamic central section that can deform elastically to accommodate different pipe diameter combinations. This deformable section allows the sleeve to change its internal diameter dynamically during installation and service, enabling a single fixed-type sleeve to serve multiple diameter difference scenarios that would otherwise require multiple fixed-size compensating rings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compensating rings are used inside the sealing sleeve, then diameter differences are compensated, but the seal quality deteriorates due to adverse effects on the sealing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing sleeve is segmented into three functional zones: two cylindrical contact sections that provide stable sealing surfaces at the ends, and a central deformable section that handles the diameter adjustment. This segmentation allows the sealing-critical areas to remain rigid and stable while the intermediate section provides the necessary deformation capability, thus maintaining seal quality while compensating for diameter differences.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the fixing sleeve have different mechanical properties tailored to their functions. The contact sections have high rigidity and dimensional stability for reliable sealing, while the central section has high deformability for diameter adaptation. This local differentiation of material or structural properties ensures that sealing surfaces are not compromised by the deformation needed to accommodate diameter differences.
3Device complexity
If a fixing sleeve based on a strip with overlapping ends is used, then the structure is simple, but the three-dimensional deformation capacity is insufficient to adjust to different external diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing sleeve transitions from a two-dimensional strip structure to a three-dimensional tubular structure with a deformable central section. This dimensional transformation provides the necessary spatial freedom for the sleeve to expand and contract radially to accommodate different pipe diameters, while the overall structure remains relatively simple and can still be manufactured as a single piece or simple assembly.
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 solution enables a variable diameter sleeve arrangement suitable for various applications, simplifying stock management and production, ensuring a reliable seal and stability by eliminating the need for compensating rings and allowing for precise alignment and deformation to fit different pipe diameters.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing sleeve takes the form of a closed encircling ring which is suitable for a three-dimensional shape change
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting two pipes with different external diameters using a sleeve arrangement which bridges the butt joint between the ends of the pipe facing each other. The device contains at least a fixing sleeve which can take up the clips for the two pipes, and, if necessary, a sealing sleeve which is surrounded by the fixing sleeve. High economy and safety can be achieved by the fact that each sleeve of the sleeve arrangement has cylindrical contact sections which can be adjusted to the different external diameters of the two pipes and are connected by a central section which can take a conical form to suite the diameter difference wherein the contact sections of the sleeve next to the external circumference of the two pipes can be brought into direct contact with the two pipes, and the contact sections of the fixing sleeve contain encircling mounting channels assigned to the clips, and wherein the fixing sleeve takes the form of a closed encircling ring which is suitable for three-dimensional deformation.