Cam Ring Pipe Connector for One-Step Sealing and Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors often require separate mechanisms for retention and sealing, which can be inefficient or prone to leakage, especially when rotation or threading is not possible, and may require multiple tightening elements, making one-handed operation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design featuring a cam ring, seal element, push ring, and gripper that allows for a single tightening operation to create both a fluid-tight seal and a strong physical connection, where the cam ring rotates to move the gripper and push ring, compressing the seal and gripping the pipe, ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate retention and sealing mechanisms are used, then the connection can be secured, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam ring integrates both retention and sealing functions into a single component. As the cam ring rotates, it simultaneously compresses the seal element against the pipe and positions the gripper elements to secure the pipe, eliminating the need for separate retention and sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing compressor, a gripper actuator, and a locking mechanism all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts required while maintaining reliable connection security.
2Reliability
If threading and rotation are required to seat the connection, then retention is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced when rotation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional threading and rotation mechanism with a cam-based system. The cam ring rotates a small amount to convert rotational motion into linear motion that compresses the seal and activates the gripper, eliminating the need for extensive rotation or threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam element's geometry transforms the rotation parameter into axial displacement and radial compression. By changing the cam profile parameters, the system achieves strong retention through controlled movement rather than requiring multiple rotations or threading cycles.
3Ease of operation
If compression fitting is used, then installation is simplified, but the pipe can pull out under fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines compression sealing with positive mechanical gripping in one integrated mechanism. While the seal element provides the initial seal through compression, the cam ring simultaneously positions gripper elements that mechanically interlock with the pipe, preventing pull-out under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism uses composite action between the compressible seal element and the rigid gripper structure. The seal provides friction-based retention while the gripper provides mechanical interlocking, creating a composite retention system that prevents pipe pull-out under fluid pressure.
4Reliability
If multiple tightening elements are used, then connection strength is improved, but one-handed operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gripping functions are merged into a single cam ring component. The cam ring contains multiple cam elements that simultaneously actuate multiple gripper elements, allowing one tightening operation to engage multiple retention points rather than requiring multiple separate tightening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam ring serves as a universal actuator that controls multiple gripper elements and the seal compression simultaneously. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate tightening elements, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining strong connection.
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
This design enables a secure, leak-proof connection with a single operation, simplifying the process and ensuring the pipe is firmly held in place without the need for complex multi-step tightening, even under fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The cam ring includes a cam element extending a circumferential length along a portion of the radially inward facing-side. When the cam ring is rotated from a first position toward a second position, the gripper moves from the first axial location to the second axial location to move the push ring against the seal element to seal between the seal element and the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the gripper moves from the first depth to the second depth to grip the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector includes a body, a cam ring, a seal element, a push ring, and a gripper. The body has an aperture through an outer surface. The cam ring is configured to be located around the outer surface. The seal element is configured to be seated around an inner surface of the body. The push ring is configured to be slideably located within the body, and to have an aperture configured to be aligned with the aperture of the body. The gripper is configured to be located through the aperture in the body and into a first depth of the cam element. The cam ring is configured to rotate, moving the gripper axially to draw the push ring against the seal element and to move the gripper radially to grip the pipe.