Click-Fit Plastic Pipe Joint for Restrained Sealed Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic pipe joining systems face challenges in providing a restrained joint that can withstand hydraulic forces and ground movements without compromising the integrity of the pipe, while also being cost-effective and avoiding the need for machining spline openings.
Innovation Solution
A click-fit restraint system using a non-circular click-fit restraint ring and a ring-shaped casing element with grooves, which snap-fit together during assembly, eliminating the need for spline openings and enhancing tensile strength with materials like PEEK and glass fiber reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a restrained joint system using circumferential grooves and locking splines is used, then the joint can withstand hydraulic forces and ground movements, but the pipe requires machining of spline openings which compromises pipe integrity and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the restraint function from the pipe body by using a separate casing member that receives the spline, eliminating the need to machine openings in the pipe itself. The casing acts as an independent component that provides the locking mechanism while the pipe remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing member serves as an intermediary component between the two pipe sections, providing the restraint function without requiring modifications to the pipes themselves. The casing receives the locking spline and transmits the restraining forces, mediating the connection between spigot and bell sections.
2Force
If traditional restrained joint systems with machined grooves are used, then hydraulic forces can be resisted, but the complexity of the device increases due to multiple components including casing members and locking splines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the restraint function with the existing bell structure by integrating the casing member into the bell design. The casing and bell work together as a unified system, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to resist hydraulic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing member serves multiple functions: it provides the restraint mechanism, receives the locking spline, and integrates with the bell structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If a locking spline system is used to provide restraint, then the joint can be secured against separation, but the cost of the system increases due to machining requirements and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the costly machining operations from the pipe manufacturing process and consolidates them into the casing member, which is a separate component that can be manufactured more efficiently and assembled into the existing bell structure.
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 system provides a secure, snap-fit connection that withstands anticipated forces, maintains sealing integrity, and is cost-effective, suitable for diverse applications including municipal water systems and earthquake-prone areas, without requiring machining.
Implementation Method 1
A click-fit restraint ring is located in the groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the casing element. The ring is actuated by contact with the male plastic pipe end as the pipe joint is made up to move between an initial relaxed state to an intermediate extended or expanded state, and finally to a collapsed state in which regions of the ring snap into place
Data Source
AI summary
A restrained pipe joining system for plastic pipe is shown comprising male and female pipe ends, the male pipe end having an external circumferential groove and the female pipe end having an internal recess which contains a circumferential casing element, the casing element receives a non-circular click fit restraint ring which engages the external circumferential groove of the male pipe end during the make-up of the pipe ends to form a sealed and restrained pipe joint.