Grooved Pipe Coupling Profile to Prevent End Flare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roll grooving methods often result in an unwanted 'bell' shape flare at the end of pipe elements, which can exceed critical diameter tolerances and compromise the fit with mechanical fittings and couplings, and also fail to provide an optimal surface finish for fluid-tight seals.
Innovation Solution
The use of a roller set with specifically designed raised features on both inner and outer rollers, including conical and curved surfaces, to control and prevent flaring while enhancing the surface finish by reducing friction and ensuring stable tracking, thereby maintaining the pipe's critical dimensions and improving sealing surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional rollers are used for grooving, then the grooving process is simple, but the pipe end flare cannot be controlled and critical dimensions are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is divided into multiple functional zones: a first zone with a leading edge that contacts the pipe end to prevent flaring, and a second zone that forms the circumferential groove. This segmentation allows the roller to simultaneously control pipe end geometry and form the groove without causing bell-shaped flaring.
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 effectively prevents pipe end flare, maintains critical diameter tolerances, and achieves a smooth surface finish that enhances the sealing capability and mechanical integrity of pipe elements when joined with couplings, leading to improved pressure resistance and bending strength.
Implementation Method 1
incrementally compressing the sidewall of the pipe element between the rollers while rotating at least one of the rollers
Implementation Method 2
specifically designed raised features on both inner and outer rollers, including conical and curved surfaces, to control and prevent flaring while enhancing the surface finish by reducing friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
AI summary
The combination of at least one pipe element and a coupling. The pipe element comprises an outer surface surrounding a longitudinal axis; at least one end; a groove positioned in the outer surface proximate to the at least one end, the groove extending circumferentially around the pipe element. The groove comprises a first side surface proximate to the at least one end; a floor surface contiguous with the first side surface; a second side surface contiguous with the floor surface, the second side surface being in spaced relation to the first side surface. The first side surface projects radially outwardly beyond a remainder of the outer surface of the pipe element; and a tooling mark positioned in the outer surface and extending circumferentially around the pipe element. The coupling comprising a plurality of segments attached end to end surrounding a central space, the at least one pipe element being received within the central space. Each of the segments having at least one key projecting toward the central space, the at least one key engaging the groove. The at least one key comprises a first key surface engaged with the first side surface of the groove; a second key surface contiguous with the first key surface and facing the floor surface of the groove; and a third key surface contiguous with the second key surface, the third key surface facing the second side surface of the groove.