Squeeze-Activated Conduit Retainer With Integrated Debris Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues such as lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and the lack of 'push to lock' type joints that automatically expand and snap into place, leading to a need for quicker installation without reversibility while maintaining robustness.
Innovation Solution
A debris shield integrated into a squeeze-activated retainer for conduits, featuring a tubular body with a retainer groove and a retainer that automatically engages pipes upon insertion, expanding to secure them without manual intervention and allowing for reversible assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the joints can be disassembled and reassembled, but the splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly and the installation process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer and spline into a single integrated component. The retainer features an expanded configuration with outwardly extending splines that are permanently attached, eliminating the risk of separate splines being lost during transportation or disassembly while maintaining quick installation through the squeeze-activated expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to transition between a compressed configuration for easy insertion and an expanded configuration for secure locking. This dynamic transformation allows the joint to be quickly installed by squeezing the retainer, which then automatically expands to engage the pipe, providing both speed and reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a debris shield is added to prevent debris accumulation, then debris protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris shield is integrated as part of the retainer structure rather than being a separate component. The shield is formed as an extended portion of the retainer body, combining the debris protection function with the existing retainer structure and avoiding additional parts that would increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure serves multiple functions: it provides the squeezing mechanism for activation, the expansion mechanism for locking, and through its integrated shield portion, debris protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated debris shield components
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 solution provides a quick and robust pipe joint system that prevents debris accumulation and allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enhancing installation efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer is squeezable along the axis to secure the conduit. The retainer includes a nominal configuration and an expanded configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a tubular body having an axis, an axial end, a bore that is axial an aperture and a retainer groove formed in the bore and contiguous with the aperture. The assembly also includes a retainer mounted in the retainer groove. The retainer has a debris shield located external to the tubular body. The retainer includes a nominal configuration wherein the debris shield is configured to close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove to prevent debris from accumulating therein. In addition, the retainer includes an expanded configuration wherein the debris shield is not configured to completely close off access to the aperture and the retainer groove.