Cam Ring Pipe Connector for One-Turn Sealing and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors often require separate mechanisms for retention and sealing, which can be inefficient and difficult to implement, especially when rotation or threading is not possible, and may not provide a strong enough connection to prevent pipe dislodgment under fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design that incorporates a cam ring, seal element, push ring, and gripper, allowing for a single tightening operation to create both a fluid-tight seal and a strong mechanical connection, where the cam ring rotates to move the gripper and push ring, compressing the seal and gripping the pipe to secure it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate retention and sealing mechanisms are used, then both retention and sealing functions are provided, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention mechanism (gripper) and sealing mechanism (seal element) into a single integrated assembly that operates through one cam ring. The gripper and seal element are positioned to be simultaneously actuated by the cam ring's rotation, eliminating the need for separate tightening operations and reducing structural complexity while maintaining both retention and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam ring serves multiple functions: it actuates the gripper for retention, compresses the seal element for sealing, and provides the tightening operation interface. This multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring both retention and sealing are achieved through a single operation.
2Reliability
If threading or rotation is required for connection, then retention and sealing can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases when rotation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded rotation mechanism with a cam-based actuation system. The cam ring's rotational motion is converted into linear actuation of the gripper and seal element through cam profiles, eliminating the need for threading operations while maintaining strong retention and sealing through the cam's mechanical advantage.
3Ease of operation
If compression fitting is used, then installation is simplified, but the retention strength decreases allowing pipe pullout under fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compression sealing action with the gripper retention action into a single cam-operated mechanism. While the seal element provides compression sealing like a compression fitting, the simultaneously actuated gripper provides positive mechanical retention that prevents pipe pullout under fluid pressure, combining the advantages of both compression fittings and mechanical retention systems.
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 reliable, one-handed connection that maintains the pipe in place and prevents leaks, even under fluid pressure, through a combination of axial and radial movement of the gripper within the cam element, ensuring both retention and sealing with a single operation.
Implementation Method 1
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
Data Source
AI summary
A cam ring for a pipe connector includes a first axial side, a second axial side opposite the first axial side, a radially outward-facing side, a radially inward-facing side, and a cam element extending a circumferential length along the radially inward facing-side. The cam element includes a first cam section and a second can section, the cam sections respectively have first and second radially facing cam surfaces adjacent respective first and second axially facing cam surfaces. The second radially facing cam surface has a second radial depth lesser than a first radial depth of the first radially facing cam surface. The second axially facing cam surface has a second axial location closer to the first axial side than a first axial location of the first axially facing cam surface. A gripper for a pipe connector includes a body and teeth with an arc shape.