Burnished Pipe End Groove for Flare-Free Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roll grooving methods often result in unwanted pipe end flare and inadequate surface finish, which can compromise the integrity of fluid-tight seals and mechanical couplings.
Innovation Solution
The use of specialized rollers with tailored raised features and controlled contact geometry to form circumferential grooves that prevent pipe end flare and enhance surface finish, ensuring precise alignment and engagement with couplings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If roll grooving is used to form circumferential grooves in pipe elements, then groove formation is achieved, but pipe end flare occurs which compromises dimensional tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed at a position remote from the open end of the pipe element, before any end-flaring can occur. By positioning the groove away from the vulnerable end region, the critical outer diameter tolerance at the pipe end is preserved while still achieving the necessary groove formation for coupling engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is localized to a specific region of the pipe element that is remote from the open end, rather than being formed at the end itself. This local positioning allows the groove to serve its function while leaving the critical end region untouched and within tolerance specifications.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional roll grooving is used, then grooves are formed, but surface finish is inadequate for effective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling process parameters are optimized to produce not only the groove geometry but also an enhanced surface finish. By controlling the rolling pressure, roller surface characteristics, and pass sequence, the groove region achieves both proper dimensional formation and improved surface quality suitable for sealing applications.
3Ease of operation
If the groove is positioned near the open end for coupling engagement, then mechanical coupling alignment is facilitated, but pipe end flare occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed in advance at an optimal position that balances coupling engagement requirements with tolerance preservation. By positioning the groove at a specific distance from the open end, the design ensures that couplings can still engage effectively while the critical end region remains within dimensional tolerances.
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 end flare, improves surface finish for better sealing, and enhances the performance of mechanical couplings by increasing pressure capability and bending stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
incrementally compressing the sidewall of the pipe element between the rollers while rotating at least one of the rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
AI summary
A pipe element (94), comprising: an outer surface (100) surrounding a longitudinal axis (96); at least one end (110); a groove (108) positioned in said outer surface proximate to said at least one end, said groove extending circumferentially around said pipe element; at least a portion of said outer surface of said pipe element between said groove and said at least one end being a burnished surface (120).