Grooved-End Rubber Expansion Joint for Direct Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber expansion joints require flanges and welding for installation in grooved-ended piping systems, posing safety hazards and increasing costs due to the need for extra components and labor, while a direct connection method without flanges has not been developed for coaxial grooved-end pipes.
Innovation Solution
A grooved-end rubber expansion joint using mechanical couplings for direct connection with coaxial grooved-end pipes, featuring trapezoid or C-shaped ends for sealing and retention, optionally without nylon fabrics or steel braiding, and incorporating grooved pipe nipples to secure a leak-tight union.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanged rubber expansion joints are used for connection, then connection strength is improved, but installation safety deteriorates due to welding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding-based mechanical connection system with a groove-based mechanical coupling system. The grooved ends engage with coupling mechanisms that provide secure connection without requiring thermal welding processes, thereby eliminating fire hazards while maintaining connection strength through mechanical interlocking and bolting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces groove-ended couplings as intermediary components between the rubber expansion joint and the piping system. These couplings serve as mediators that enable safe mechanical connection without direct welding, allowing the expansion joint to be securely installed in grooved piping systems through a two-stage connection process involving groove engagement and coupling assembly.
2Reliability
If flanged rubber expansion joints are used, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional flanges and bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function and the expansion joint function into an integrated grooved-end design. The grooved ends are directly formed on the rubber expansion joint body, combining what were previously separate components (flanges, bolts, and expansion joint) into a unified assembly, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated mechanical coupling system.
3Productivity
If grooved-end direct connection is implemented, then productivity is improved by eliminating welding, but connection strength deteriorates without flange reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating reinforcement materials (steel wire mesh, fabric layers, or rubber compounds) specifically at the grooved end regions of the expansion joint. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary connection strength at the critical joining points without requiring full-flange reinforcement, enabling direct grooved-end connection to achieve both high productivity and adequate connection strength.
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
Enables safe and efficient installation of rubber expansion joints in grooved-ended piping systems without welding, providing a reliable, leak-tight connection that prevents slippage and maintains high sealing capability under pressure.
Implementation Method 1
Rubber expansion joints are widely used in general service piping systems including water supply, fire protection, chill water and drain for the purpose of absorbing linear movements generated by thermal expansion and/or contraction
Implementation Method 2
vibration and noises in the pump room
Data Source
AI summary
A grooved-ended resilient expansion joint is disclosed. The expansion joint has a resilient expansion member with a central resilient portion and two resilient axially disposed cylindrical ends. Each cylindrical end has a radially outwardly raised distal cylindrical gasket portion with at least one inside shoulder having an inner diameter sized substantially the same as an outer diameter of a pipe to be joined. Each cylindrical end also has a neck portion between the central portion and the gasket portion that is sized to receive a grooved-ended pipe nipple.