Watertight Sleeve Joint With Adjustable Pipe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe junction systems face challenges in achieving a balance between structural rigidity and flexibility, often requiring complex adjustments and specific tools, leading to increased installation time and potential sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe junction device featuring a rotating flange and adjustable annular collars with radial, axial, or angular flexibility, allowing for a single operation to achieve a sealed and adjustable connection between pipes, eliminating the need for additional tools and reducing installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible sleeve with metallic annular collars is used to connect pipes, then assembly is achieved with certain axial freedom, but additional parts must be managed and installation time increases due to complex adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flexible sleeve, sealing elements, and connection mechanisms into an integrated junction device. The sleeve incorporates internal sealing structures and the connection system merges multiple adjustment functions into a unified mechanism that operates with fewer discrete parts, reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining axial freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The junction device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different pipe configurations and sizes. The flexible sleeve with integrated connection mechanisms provides multi-functional capability including sealing, alignment, and adjustment in a single device, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and reducing installation time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rotating flange with tenons is used to connect pipes, then rigidity is generated in the piping, but numerous adjustments are required during assembly and readjustments during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sleeve that provides dynamic adjustment capability while maintaining structural stability. The connection mechanism allows for initial adjustment during assembly to achieve proper alignment and rigidity, then maintains stable connection without requiring frequent readjustments during operation. The flexible material adapts to positional variations while preserving structural integrity.
3Reliability
If fixed annular collars are used to connect pipes, then sealing is achieved, but perfect sealing cannot be guaranteed due to dependence on pipe surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sealing elements with locally optimized properties at the connection interface. The flexible sleeve includes sealing structures that conform to the specific pipe surface conditions at the connection point, providing reliable sealing that adapts to variations in surface quality. The sealing mechanism is designed to compensate for surface imperfections through its flexible and conformable characteristics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for pipe connection, then adjustability is achieved, but device complexity and stock management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple adjustment functions into a unified junction device structure. The flexible sleeve incorporates internal mechanisms that provide radial, axial, and angular adjustability within a single integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate adjustment devices. This reduces device complexity while maintaining full adjustability capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
A device capable of hermetically sealing two sleeves (1, 3) at at least one of their respective ends, each end being provided with a fastening means (4, 7) capable of cooperating with connecting means (10), characterized in that said connecting means (10) are constituted and/or comprise at least one adjustment element (11) allowing at least one degree of freedom of one sleeve (1, 3) relative to the other in the connected position. More precisely, said connecting means (10) are formed of at least one movable connecting element (12) and at least one adjustment element (11) capable of cooperating with said fastening means (4, 7) provided at at least one end of a sleeve (1, 3).