Articulating Anti-Slip Gasket Segments for Pipe Joint Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-restraining pipe joint gaskets with anti-slip segments face challenges in engaging effectively with large diameter pipes due to limited surface area and in small diameter pipes due to tight radius of curvature, leading to potential separation and catastrophic failure under fluid pressurization.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-sectioned, articulating anti-slip metal segments that can adapt to the curvature of the spigot, increasing segment density and contact area, forming a continuous restraining ring on large pipes and improving engagement on small pipes, thereby enhancing joint restraint and reducing radial force penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional uniform anti-slip segments are used, then the gasket structure is simple, but the segment density is insufficient on large diameter pipes leading to inadequate engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is divided into multiple radial pockets, each containing anti-slip segments. This segmentation allows the segments to be strategically positioned and articulated to maximize engagement with the spigot surface, particularly on large diameter pipes where uniform distribution would result in insufficient density.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip segments are designed to articulate or rotate within their radial pockets, allowing them to dynamically adjust their orientation and position to conform to the spigot curvature. This dynamic capability ensures optimal engagement across varying pipe diameters without requiring complex fixed structures.
2Reliability
If anti-slip segments are used on small diameter pipes, then joint restraint is provided, but the tight radius of curvature limits contact area leading to insufficient engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating segments can rotate and conform to tight curvatures on small diameter pipes, maximizing the contact area between the segments and the spigot surface. This dynamic adaptation overcomes the geometric limitation of small pipe radii.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket design allows the segments to change their angular orientation and radial position to adapt to different pipe diameters. This parameter adjustment enables effective engagement whether the pipe is small or large diameter.
3Force
If anti-slip segments engage the pipe surface under high pressure, then axial thrust force is resisted, but radial forces cause segment penetration and potential catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the engagement into multiple radial pockets with distributed segments, the concentrated radial forces are dispersed into multiple smaller contact points. This segmentation reduces the penetration depth and harmful effects of radial forces while maintaining axial thrust resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket incorporates a compressible body with a porous or cellular structure that provides cushioning between the metal segments and the pipe. This porous structure absorbs and distributes radial forces, preventing segment penetration while allowing the segments to maintain their restraining function.
4Reliability
If the number of anti-slip segments is increased to improve engagement on large diameter pipes, then segment density increases, but the gasket complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into modular radial pockets that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This modular segmentation allows for standardized production of each pocket-unit, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the required segment density through strategic arrangement.
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 effectively prevents pipe separation and reduces the likelihood of joint failure by maximizing engagement area and evenly distributing radial forces, particularly beneficial for pipes made of soft materials like PVC and HDPE.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible body having an inner face defining an opening for receiving a spigot end of a pipe
Implementation Method 2
The toothed segments bite into the outer surface of the spigot of the inserted pipe and prevent withdrawal of the inserted pipe from a bell end of the other pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket for preventing separation of interconnected pipes including a compressible body having a plurality of multi-sectioned metal segments partially embedded therein. The multi-sectioned metal segments are arranged in groups of two or more or as a continuous ring of segments. The multi-sectioned anti-slip segments are free to articulate according to the curvature of the outer surface of the spigot in a pipe joint. The presence of the multi-sectioned or articulating anti-slip segments increases the resultant segment density on large diameter pipes.