Compression Pipe Fitting Grip Ring Structure for Variable Pipe Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression pipe fittings fail to maintain a seal and properly restrain gaskets when pipes of incorrect diameters are used, leading to leaks and undesirable pipe movement, and existing solutions that accommodate a range of diameters are either expensive or less robust.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile compression fitting design with a tubular support body and conical transition surfaces that accommodates a range of pipe diameters, featuring a gasket and grip ring system that is biased radially inward by a fitting nut to prevent gasket unloading and leaks, using a blocking member to seal gaps between the pipe and support body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If oversized gaskets and grip rings are used to accommodate a range of pipe diameters, then the fitting can work with multiple pipe sizes, but the fitting ends become physically larger and more expensive when made from metal
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into a central body section with a first diameter and opposite end sections with a second, larger diameter. This segmentation allows the fitting to accommodate multiple pipe diameters within a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and size by creating distinct functional zones rather than using a uniformly oversized structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the support body have different diameters optimized for specific functions: the central body section provides the primary sealing surface, while the enlarged end sections provide grip ring engagement and structural support. This local differentiation allows the fitting to handle multiple pipe sizes without requiring the entire fitting to be oversized
2Adaptability or versatility
If oversized gaskets and grip rings are used to accommodate a range of pipe diameters, then the fitting can work with multiple pipe sizes, but the structure becomes less robust when made from plastics
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into a central body section with a first diameter and opposite end sections with a second, larger diameter. This segmentation allows the fitting to accommodate multiple pipe diameters within a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and size by creating distinct functional zones rather than using a uniformly oversized structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the support body have different diameters optimized for specific functions: the central body section provides the primary sealing surface, while the enlarged end sections provide grip ring engagement and structural support. This local differentiation allows the fitting to handle multiple pipe sizes without requiring the entire fitting to be oversized
3Device complexity
If a single diameter fitting is used, then the structure is simpler and more robust, but it cannot accommodate pipes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into a central body section with a first diameter and opposite end sections with a second, larger diameter. This segmentation allows the fitting to accommodate multiple pipe diameters within a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and size by creating distinct functional zones rather than using a uniformly oversized structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support body serves multiple functions: the central body section provides sealing support for pipes of the first diameter, while the enlarged end sections provide grip ring engagement and structural support for pipes of the second diameter. This multi-functionality allows a single fitting design to handle multiple pipe sizes without requiring separate fittings for each diameter
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 design effectively seals pipes of varying diameters, preventing leaks and pipe movement while maintaining robustness and cost-effectiveness by ensuring the gasket remains loaded and the grip ring securely engages the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
axially moving the fitting nut draws the support body and the gasket together in the axial direction and biases the gasket radially inward against the selected pipe
Implementation Method 2
The central body section has an inner surface with a first diameter substantially equal to the minimum diameter, with each of the support body opposite end sections having an inner surface having a second diameter substantially equal to the maximum diameter
Data Source
AI summary
Compression fittings for pipes having a range of diameters, including a support body with a central section between end sections, the central section having a smaller diameter than the end sections, with a transition surface between the central section and each end section. A gasket fits over a pipe and engages one of the support body end section end surfaces. A fitting nut is movable axially over the support body to draw the support body and the gasket together in the axial direction and bias the gasket radially inward against the pipe. A grip ring encircles the pipe at one gasket end and has a surface engaging the fitting nut whereby the fitting nut biases the grip ring radially inwardly toward the pipe. An insert adapter has a hub with a radially extending flange may block the other gasket end to load the gasket between its axial ends.