Wire Ring Pipe Connector Assembly Without Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors, such as those using extensive welding and interference fits, are costly and time-consuming to manufacture, and pose safety hazards due to the need for tight tolerances and hazardous assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design featuring an elongate tubular body with a shoulder and groove, coupled with a sleeve and wire rings, allowing for assembly without welding, which eliminates the need for certified welders and reduces material costs by using wire rings to secure the sleeve in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to form pipe connectors, then the flexible pipes are connected together, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical interference fit system. The connector uses a tapered mechanical interface that, when assembled, creates a secure mechanical connection between pipes without requiring welding operations, thus eliminating the time-consuming and expensive welding process while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from a permanent thermal bond (welding) to a reversible mechanical bond (interference fit). By changing the assembly parameters to include tapered surfaces and elastic deformation capabilities, the system achieves reliable connections through mechanical means that are faster and less costly than welding.
2Reliability
If interference fits are used to form pipe connectors, then the flexible pipes are connected together, but parts must be held to very tight tolerances which is costly in manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered interference fit zone specifically at the connection interface, while other parts of the connector can have standard tolerances. The taper angle is designed to concentrate the precision requirements only where needed for the interference fit, rather than requiring tight tolerances throughout the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation (analogous to thermal expansion in principle) of the connector materials during assembly. The elastic properties allow the connector to deform slightly during the interference fit process, accommodating minor variations in manufacturing tolerances while still achieving a reliable mechanical connection without requiring extremely tight precision.
3Reliability
If interference fits are used to form pipe connectors, then the flexible pipes are connected together, but heat and liquid nitrogen may be used to assemble the pipe connector creating potential hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hazardous assembly processes (heat and liquid nitrogen) from the connector assembly method. By using a mechanical interference fit with elastic deformation, the system achieves reliable connections through simple mechanical forces that can be applied safely without dangerous materials or extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service assembly where the elastic properties of the connector materials allow the interference fit to be achieved through straightforward mechanical insertion without requiring external heating or cooling systems. The materials themselves provide the necessary deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for hazardous auxiliary substances.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector for connecting pipes that includes an elongate tubular body having an outer diameter, a sleeve disposed over the elongate tubular body, and a first wire ring. The elongate tubular body that has a groove formed on the outer diameter. The sleeve has a groove formed on an inner diameter that is spaced from a first end of the sleeve and is aligned with the groove of the elongate tubular member. The first wire ring is disposed within the groove of the elongate tubular body and within the groove of the sleeve such that the sleeve is coupled to the elongate tubular body by the first wire ring.