Conduit Squeeze Retainer for Push-to-Lock Pipe Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues such as lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and lack a 'push to lock' mechanism that automatically expands and snaps into place, making installation time-consuming and requiring reversibility.
Innovation Solution
A conduit squeeze retainer system that includes a tubular body with a retainer groove and a retainer that is axially and radially movable, allowing for automatic engagement and locking of a pipe without manual intervention, and enabling reversible assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the pipe joint can be assembled, but the splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly and the installation process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to dynamically change its radial position between a first radial position (during insertion) and a second radial position (during retention). This dynamic movement allows the retainer to automatically engage with the pipe groove and lock in place, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing installation time while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer system is self-actuating through the insertion motion of the pipe itself. As the pipe is inserted into the tubular body, the retainer automatically moves radially and engages with the pipe groove, locking the assembly without requiring separate manual operations. This self-service mechanism reduces installation time and eliminates the risk of lost components.
2Ease of operation
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the joint can be assembled, but manual intervention is required and reversibility is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer automatically performs the locking function through its own movement during pipe insertion. The system uses the insertion motion itself to actuate the retainer from the first radial position to the second radial position, where it engages with the pipe groove. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and complex locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while improving ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If a retainer that is both axially and radially movable is used, then automatic engagement and locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines both axial and radial movement capabilities into a single integrated component. The axial movement allows the retainer to engage with the pipe groove, while the radial movement enables the locking action. By merging these two movement modes into one retainer mechanism rather than using separate components, the system achieves automatic engagement and locking without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe system includes a tubular body with an axis, a bore that is axial and a retainer groove formed in the bore of the tubular body. A retainer is mounted in the retainer groove. An entirety of the retainer is both axially movable and radially movable relative to the retainer groove during formation of a pipe assembly with a pipe in the bore.