Drainage Pipe Interlocking Joint to Prevent Bell-Spigot Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
HDPE drainage pipe connections are prone to mis-alignment and loosening, leading to costly repairs and potential instability in storm water management systems due to the gasket rolling out of its designated seat and insufficient joining force between pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A releasable interlocking configuration using N engagement components and apertures around the pipe sections, such as locking ties or key members, to securely join and release the bell and spigot ends, ensuring a stable and water-tight connection without requiring significant modifications to existing pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gasket-based connection is used between pipe sections, then the connection is simple to install, but the connection becomes loosened or misaligned leading to out-of-tolerance gaps
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket retention component acts as an intermediary element between the gasket and the bell-spigot joint. This component includes a first engagement feature that secures the gasket in its seated position and a second engagement feature that connects to the bell or spigot, thereby maintaining alignment and preventing misalignment without requiring complex modifications to the pipe sections themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the gasket, the gasket retention component with distinct engagement features, and the bell-spigot joint. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the retention component specifically addressing the alignment and stability issue without affecting the simplicity of the overall installation process
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to prevent mis-alignment, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complete locking mechanism system, the invention applies a partial action approach by using a gasket retention component that provides just enough engagement to maintain alignment and prevent misalignment. The component engages the gasket and provides limited connection to the bell or spigot, which is sufficient to solve the problem without adding excessive complexity
3Reliability
If the gasket remains in position to seal the joint, then connection reliability is maintained, but the gasket may roll out of its designated seat causing mis-alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket retention component performs a preliminary action by securing the gasket in its designated seated position before the final bell-spigot connection is completed. The first engagement feature of the retention component holds the gasket in place, ensuring it remains properly positioned throughout the joining process and maintains seal integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A reliable connection between the mating bell and spigot portions of adjoining pipe sections is proposed that utilizes a releasable interlocking configuration that maintains the connectivity between the two sections regardless of whether or not the gasket remains in position. Advantageously, the interlocking configuration requires only slight modifications to the bell and spigot portions of existing pipe, allowing for the configuration to be retro-fit onto existing pipe. One embodiment may utilize a set of locking (releasable) ties to join the pipe sections, and another embodiment may utilize a set of key members (releasable) that pass through aligned slots in the pipe sections.