Well Fitting with Nested Inner Sheath for Multi-Size Pipe Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well structures are complex and laborious to manufacture and handle due to multiple connection phases and require skilled labor for sealed connections, with difficulties in maintaining connection surfaces during transportation and storage, especially when dealing with pipes of different diameters.

Innovation Solution

A well design featuring an inner sheath with connection surfaces of varying diameters arranged axially for connecting pipes of different sizes, integrated into the body through rotational moulding, which includes an outer sheath to minimize protrusion and simplify manufacturing, allowing for easy handling and use in various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If connection fittings are formed already in connection with the body with an outer surface connection surface, then pipe connection is simplified, but the connection surface is difficult to keep intact during transportation and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe connectionVSAvoidconnection surface integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the connection surfaces on the inner surface of the fitting instead of the outer surface. The fitting includes an inner sheath with connection surfaces that face inward, allowing pipes to connect from the inside while the outer surface remains smooth and protected during handling and transportation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection surfaces with different diameters are provided, then pipes of different sizes can be connected, but the structure becomes extremely complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe size compatibilityVSAvoidfitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by arranging multiple connection surfaces with different diameters concentrically within the inner sheath. Each connection surface is positioned at a different radial distance from the center, allowing pipes of various diameters to connect simultaneously or selectively without requiring multiple separate fittings or complex external structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the complexity issue by transitioning from a two-dimensional arrangement (multiple fittings on the outer surface) to a three-dimensional concentric arrangement within the inner sheath. This vertical stacking of connection surfaces at different radial positions simplifies the overall structure while maintaining versatility for different pipe sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If connection surfaces are arranged with small distances between them, then space is optimized, but it becomes challenging to form and space connection surfaces correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewell spaceVSAvoidconnection surface positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the connection surfaces and their precise positioning directly into the molded fitting structure during manufacturing. The inner sheath is formed with pre-positioned connection surfaces at predetermined radial distances and axial positions, eliminating the need for subsequent assembly or adjustment operations and ensuring consistent spacing without requiring complex post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fitting extends substantially inside the well, then connection capability is improved, but the outer diameter of the well must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidwell outer diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the connection surfaces within the inner sheath that is contained inside the well body. The inner sheath extends inward from the outer surface, allowing connection surfaces to be positioned inside the well without increasing the outer diameter. This internal nesting arrangement maintains the well's compact external dimensions while providing enhanced connection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 simplifies the connection process, protects internal surfaces during handling, reduces manufacturing challenges, and enables the same well structure to be used for multiple applications without increasing the outer diameter, making it easier to transport and store.

Implementation Method 1

the well is formed by rotational moulding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational moulding:

Data Source

PatentEP2172597B1Well
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 UPONOR INFRA OY
  • EP2172597B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A well comprising a body (1) and at least one fitting (2) for connecting a pipe to the well. The fitting (2) is provided with an inner sheath (4) which is directed towards the inside of the body (1) and which is provided with internal connection surfaces (4a, 4b) for connecting the pipe in connection with the well. Inner diameters of the connection surfaces (4a, 4b) are different in size for connecting pipes of different sizes to the fitting (2). The connection surfaces (4a, 4b) having different inner diameters are arranged successively in an axial direction of the fitting (2) such that a connection surface (4b) having the smallest diameter resides closest to a centre part of the well while a connection surface (4a) having the largest diameter resides farthest away from the centre part of the well.