Branch Conduit Fitting With Radial Teeth and Liner Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting a liner to a corporation stop in a pipe system under pressure often result in delamination and exfiltration, as they fail to provide a secure mechanical and fluid seal, especially when rehabilitating main pipes with cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a shaft section and flange section is inserted into the corporation stop without rotating, using radially protruding teeth and a compressible gasket to establish a mechanical connection and fluid seal, preventing delamination and exfiltration by compressing the gasket against the liner and providing a secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded fitting is used to self-tap into the corporation stop, then the fitting can be installed by a robot without rotation, but the connection fails to prevent delamination and exfiltration under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft section for insertion, a flange section for sealing, and multiple radially protruding teeth for mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the teeth provide anchoring while the flange provides sealing, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from rotational threading (one-dimensional rotation) to radial protrusion (three-dimensional spatial engagement). The radially protruding teeth engage with the corporation stop wall in multiple directions simultaneously, providing superior mechanical anchoring without requiring rotation, thus maintaining ease of robotic installation while dramatically improving connection reliability.
2Strength
If the liner is pressed outwardly against the main pipe wall, then the liner adheres to the pipe, but resin enters the corporation stops causing delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is positioned and secured in the corporation stop before the liner is inflated and pressed outward. This preliminary positioning creates a physical barrier and defined pathway that prevents resin from escaping into the corporation stop while allowing the liner to adhere properly to the main pipe wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting acts as an intermediary component between the liner and the corporation stop. It provides a controlled interface that allows the liner to be pressed outward for adhesion while preventing resin from entering the corporation stop, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving strong adhesion and preventing harmful resin exfiltration.
3Ease of manufacture
If plugs are used to seal corporation stop openings, then resin is prevented from entering, but fluid communication must be restored by removing plugs after liner installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is self-positioning and self-securing within the corporation stop through its radially protruding teeth that engage with the stop wall during insertion. This eliminates the need for separate plug installation and removal steps, as the fitting itself provides both the sealing function and the fluid communication pathway, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining prevention of resin entry.
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 fitting ensures a reliable mechanical and fluid seal between the liner and the corporation stop, preventing delamination and exfiltration, even under pressure, by using a compressible gasket and radially protruding teeth that deform to secure the connection.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible gasket to establish a fluid seal
Implementation Method 2
a compressible gasket to establish a fluid seal by compressing the gasket against the liner
Implementation Method 3
radially protruding teeth that deform to secure the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for connecting a branch conduit to a liner installed in a main pipe is configured to mechanically connect to the branch conduit as it is inserted into the branch conduit from inside the main pipe. The mechanical connection is established without rotating the fitting. The fitting can include a body having an outer shaft section for being received in the branch conduit and an inner flange section for opposing the liner within the main pipe. The fastener include one or more teeth that extend radially from the exterior of the shaft section. The teeth can be secured to the shaft section by deforming portions of the fitting body against the teeth. The flange section supports a gasket for sealing against the liner when the fitting is installed. The flange section can include a rim that maintains the gasket in the proper position.