Double-Taper Pipe Connector for High-Tension Composite Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composite piping connections face challenges with high longitudinal tensile forces due to material expansion and lack of suitable connection methods that are secure, reusable, and do not damage the pipe, especially under high-pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

A pipe connection system utilizing a mandrel with an insertion portion and a slip with double tapered surfaces, along with a sleeve having cam surfaces, provides a secure, removable, and reusable connection by evenly distributing biting forces around the pipe perimeter, accommodating tension without damaging the pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If single use metallic connectors are mechanically crimped in place, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into three functional segments: a mandrel for internal support, a slip with biting teeth for external gripping, and a sleeve with cam surfaces for force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing strong connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex crimping tool to compress a connector onto the pipe, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple pull-action on the sleeve that translates through cam surfaces to generate the compressive biting force on the pipe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If single use metallic connectors are used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to large equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is self-installing through a simple pull-action on the sleeve that automatically translates through the cam surfaces to engage the biting teeth on the pipe, eliminating the need for external crimping equipment or tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive metallic components (mandrel, slip, sleeve) that can be easily manufactured and installed without requiring expensive specialized equipment, making the connection process accessible and straightforward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If slip connections with single taper are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to non-uniform biting force distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslip manufacture easeVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The slip features asymmetric double taper surfaces with different angles (first taper and second taper) that create symmetric force distribution when engaged by the cam surfaces, ensuring uniform biting force around the pipe perimeter despite the asymmetric geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The cam surfaces dynamically translate the longitudinal pull force on the sleeve into radial compressive force on the pipe through the tapered surfaces of the slip, automatically adjusting the force distribution to maintain uniformity during the connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If connections are designed to resist high longitudinal tensile forces, then strength is improved, but the pipe may be damaged due to excessive biting force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension resistanceVSAvoidpipe damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The double taper geometry of the slip changes the mechanical parameters of force transmission, distributing the longitudinal tensile force into radial compressive force through the cam surfaces in a controlled manner that provides sufficient grip without excessive localized stress on the pipe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The biting teeth on the slip are localized to specific regions that engage with corresponding features on the pipe, concentrating the gripping force only where needed to resist tension while minimizing stress on other portions of the pipe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system ensures a secure, removable, and reusable connection that maintains uniform biting force across the pipe surface, effectively managing high-pressure conditions and reducing the risk of pipe damage.

Implementation Method 1

a sleeve having cam surfaces for engaging the first and second tapered portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS20220316637A1Double taper connector

Publication Date: 2022.10.06 GRANT PRIDECO LP

AI summary

A pipe connection for connecting pipe or terminating pipe may include a mandrel with an insertion portion configured for inserting into an open end of a pipe and including a head. The pipe connection may also include a slip for bitingly engaging an outer surface of the pipe and having a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The pipe connection may also include a sleeve having cam surfaces for engaging the first and second tapered portions and a head engaging portion for securing the sleeve to the head.