Water Conduit Connector Geometry for Visible Seal Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between water pipes and components, such as corner valves, are prone to leakage when a sealing ring is missing or damaged, leading to temporary waterproofness and potential water damage due to splashage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a recess or elevation on the stop or seat surface of the component to interrupt the annular surface contact, creating a visible leak path when the sealing ring is absent, allowing for early detection and correction of the issue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection is tightly secured by firmly tightening the union nut, then the connection can be temporarily watertight even with a missing or damaged sealing ring, but the leakage is not immediately detectable and water damage may occur later
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses water as an indicator that changes the visual state of the system - when leakage occurs due to a missing or damaged sealing ring, water escapes through the annular gap and becomes visible, immediately indicating the problem. This transforms an invisible leakage issue into a detectable visual signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a feedback mechanism where the system automatically indicates when something is wrong. The annular gap provides a controlled path for water to escape and become visible, giving immediate feedback about sealing ring status without requiring complex sensors or detection systems.
2Reliability
If the sealing ring is made to ensure watertight connection, then leakage is prevented, but the cost and complexity of the sealing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific annular gap only in the regions where the stop engages behind the protrusions. This localized modification allows the system to maintain simple overall structure while introducing a clever local feature that provides both leakage prevention and detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the sealing function into two distinct parts: the sealing ring itself for preventing leakage, and the annular gap for detecting sealing failures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system by using basic geometric features rather than complex integrated solutions.
3Strength
If the stop is designed to engage behind protrusions for secure connection, then the connecting piece is firmly attached to the component, but the annular surface contact prevents leak detection when sealing ring is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the contact surface between the stop and protrusions by introducing an annular gap, transforming the continuous annular surface contact into a interrupted contact pattern. This segmentation maintains the mechanical strength of the connection while creating a visible path for water to escape and indicate sealing failures.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a water pipe (2) to a component (1) having a passage, in particular a fitting for changing and/or controlling a water flow, with a connecting piece (3) having a passage channel (30) for conveying water towards the component, wherein the connecting piece has a first end (3.1) to be connected to the component, a second end (3.2) to be connected to the water pipe and an outwardly projecting stop (3.3) in the form of a collar or flange formed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end (3.1) of the connecting piece (3) is provided on its outside with an annular groove (3.11) or is designed as a grommet for receiving a sealing ring, wherein in the annular groove (3.11) or preferably a sealing ring is arranged on the nozzle, and with a fastening element (6, 6') for fastening the connector (3) to the component (1), wherein at least one projection (6.1) engaging behind the stop (3.3) is formed on the fastening element, wherein the stop (3.3) defines a stop surface (3.31) which, when fastening the connector to the component, interacts with a seating surface (1.11) of the component by defining a position of the connector (3) relative to the component (1). The device according to the invention is characterized in that the stop (3.3) or the seating surface (1.11) facing the stop has at least one recess (3.32) or protrusion by means of which an annularly closed surface contact between the stop surface (3.31) of the stop (3.3) and the seating surface (1.11) is interrupted or prevented.This makes any leakage caused by a damaged or missing sealing ring visible when the device is put into operation, so that, if necessary, the leak can be eliminated by inserting a flawless sealing ring.