Compression Pipe Fitting Grip Ring Structure for Wide Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression pipe fittings fail to effectively seal and secure pipes of varying diameters, leading to leaks and movement issues due to the escape of rubber gaskets and inadequate engagement of grip rings.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile compression fitting design featuring a tubular support body with a central section and tapered end sections, a gasket, and a fitting nut that biases the gasket radially inward, along with a grip ring and blocking member to prevent gasket unloading and ensure a secure seal across a range of pipe diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fitting is designed for a specific pipe diameter with a grip ring and rubber gasket, then it can provide a secure seal and prevent movement for that specific diameter, but it cannot accommodate pipes of different diameters and the gasket may escape through gaps when smaller pipes are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple axial sections (first support body section, second support body section, third support body section) with different inner diameters. Each section is configured to engage with pipes of specific diameter ranges, allowing the single fitting to accommodate multiple pipe sizes while maintaining reliable gasket retention and sealing for each size category
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the support body have locally optimized inner diameters tailored to specific pipe diameter ranges. The first support body section has a larger inner diameter for maximum diameter pipes, while the second and third sections have progressively smaller inner diameters for smaller pipes, ensuring each local region provides optimal engagement and gasket retention for its designated pipe size range
2Reliability
If oversized gaskets are used to accommodate a range of pipe diameters, then gasket escape is reduced, but the fitting becomes physically larger and more expensive when made from metal
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is segmented into multiple axial sections with progressively smaller inner diameters. This segmentation allows the use of appropriately sized gaskets for each pipe diameter range rather than requiring a single oversized gasket, thereby maintaining gasket retention reliability while minimizing the overall fitting volume and material usage
Solution Approach 2:
The inner diameter parameter of the support body changes axially through the different sections, transitioning from a larger diameter in the first section to smaller diameters in the second and third sections. This parameter variation allows the fitting to adapt to different pipe sizes without requiring an uniformly oversized structure, reducing material consumption and fitting volume
3Ease of manufacture
If a single inner diameter support body is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot properly engage pipes of varying diameters across the full range
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is segmented into multiple axial sections with different inner diameters, each optimized for specific pipe size ranges. This segmentation enables the fitting to accommodate a wide pipe diameter range (from minimum to maximum diameter) while remaining manufacturable as a single integrated component with stepped geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-section support body structure serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides structural support, engages with pipes of varying diameters through different sections, retains the gasket appropriately for each pipe size, and transmits compression forces uniformly. This multi-functionality achieves wide adaptability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
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 provides a reliable seal and prevents pipe movement by ensuring the gasket remains compressed and engaged, accommodating a wide range of pipe diameters without leaks or unloading, even when smaller pipes are connected to larger fittings.
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 grip ring has a sloped surface engaging the fitting nut tapered surface whereby axial movement of the fitting nut when threaded onto the end section threaded outer surface biases the grip ring radially inwardly toward the selected pipe
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.