Annular Ring Spline Seal for Pipe Joint Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems often lose their splines and seals during transportation or disassembly, lacking a 'push to lock' mechanism that automatically expands and secures the joint, and users seek quicker installation methods without reversibility while maintaining a robust seal.
Innovation Solution
A continuous, annular ring with a spline that engages a tubular component's spline groove, featuring a seal mounted to the ring, which deflects radially outward and locks into place, providing both axial and radial sealing without requiring reversibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems use separate, axially spaced-apart seals and splines, then the joint can be assembled, but the splines and seals are lost during transportation or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal and spline into a single integrated unit, eliminating separate components. The seal is positioned within the spline structure, forming one piece that cannot be lost during transportation or disassembly, directly resolving the component loss problem
2Productivity
If conventional restrained pipe joint systems use separate components, then assembly is possible, but installation time is increased due to handling multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the seal and spline into one component, the number of parts to be handled during installation is reduced, streamlining the assembly process and reducing installation time
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use separate seals and splines, then disassembly is possible, but reversibility is lost and components are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated seal-spline design maintains the ability to assemble and disassemble the joint while preventing component loss, as the seal remains attached to the spline structure throughout the process
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 quick and secure installation of pipe joints with enhanced sealing capabilities, preventing loss of components during handling and assembly, and ensures a robust, sealed connection without the need for reversibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spline that engages a tubular component's spline groove, featuring a seal mounted to the ring, which deflects radially outward and locks into place
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe restrained joint seal and lock can include a ring that is continuous and annular. The ring can have an axis, a proximal end and a distal end axially spaced apart from the proximal end. A spline can extend from the ring to engage a spline groove of a tubular component. The spline can include one or more of the following features: a seal mounted to the distal end of the ring; the seal mounted to the ring axially distal of the spline; the seal mounted to the ring radially outward of the spline relative to the axis; and the seal mounted to the ring, the seal having a seal groove extending in a distal direction, and a portion of the ring is located in the seal groove.