Composite Pipe Joining Member for Bell-and-Spigot-Free Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bell and spigot connections in concrete pipes are prone to damage during installation, costly to manufacture, and difficult to maintain specified tolerances, especially for thin-walled pipes, and lack even weight distribution and fluid flow consistency.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-reinforced polymer composite joining member with a tapered thickness and flange extension is used to connect pipe sections end-to-end without integral connections, providing a watertight seal and uniform wall thickness for improved handling and fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bell and spigot connections are used to join pipe sections, then the pipe joint can be formed with integral connection means, but the connection is prone to damage during installation and requires costly manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent parts: the pipe sections themselves and the separate joining member. The joining member is a distinct component that connects pipe sections without requiring integral bell and spigot formations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separate joining member acts as an intermediary component between pipe sections. This mediator provides the connection function without requiring the pipe sections themselves to have complex integral connection means, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If bell and spigot connections are used to join pipe sections, then the pipe joint can be formed, but the connection requires forceful insertion that may damage the bell or spigot ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidconnection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The joining member serves as a mediator that facilitates pipe section connection without requiring forceful insertion. It provides a controlled interface between pipe sections, enabling assembly while protecting the pipe ends from damage and maintaining connection integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The joining member's tapered thickness creates a gradual transition zone that changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface. This gradual transition allows for easier, less forceful insertion while maintaining secure connection and preventing damage to pipe ends

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If thin walled concrete pipe is used, then the pipe weight is reduced, but it is difficult to maintain specified tolerances with smaller components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe weightVSAvoiddimensional tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The joining member uses fiber reinforced polymer composite material, combining different materials to achieve both light weight and high precision. The composite structure provides the necessary strength and dimensional stability for thin-walled pipe applications while maintaining specified tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered thickness of the joining member creates a gradual geometric transition that compensates for dimensional variations in thin-walled pipe sections. This parameter variation in the joining member helps maintain overall assembly tolerances even when working with smaller, thinner components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If bell and spigot connections are used, then the pipe joint can be formed, but the weight distribution is uneven and fluid flow consistency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidweight distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered thickness of the joining member creates a gradual geometric transition that smoothly connects pipe sections. This continuous parameter change ensures uniform weight distribution and maintains consistent fluid flow characteristics throughout the pipe assembly, improving both handling and operational stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10975996B2Pipe section joining member, pipe joint and elongated pipe

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY GMBH

AI summary

A fiber reinforced polymer composite joining member for joining sections of pipe together to form an elongated pipe is disclosed. A pipe joint and elongated pipe includes at least two pipe sections having ends that are joined together with the joining member is also disclosed. The pipe joint and elongated pipe are formed by joining abutting ends of adjacent pipe sections with the joining member without the need for the adjacent pipe sections to have other connection means, such as standard bell and spigot end connections. Also provided is a method for joining pipe sections with the joining member to make an elongated pipe.