Guide Ring and Metal Grip Ring for Push-Fit Pipe Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-type pipe fittings face issues with seals twisting or rotating, pipes pushing seals through the fitting instead of extending through a stationary seal, and the need for beveling pipes to prevent damage to seals. Additionally, plastic grip rings are limited in strength and suitability for gripping various materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting with a metal grip ring and a guide ring, configured to slide along a tapered region, provides a secure engagement with the pipe. The grip ring has inwardly angled teeth to grip the pipe, and the guide ring aids in retaining the grip ring within the channel, preventing it from disengaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic grip ring is used to grip the pipe, then the fitting can be manufactured with simpler materials, but the grip strength is limited and cannot grip metal pipes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring is constructed as a composite structure combining a plastic body with an embedded metal reinforcement element (such as a metal strip or mesh). This composite construction provides both the ease of plastic manufacturing and the high strength of metal, enabling the grip ring to effectively grip both plastic and metal pipes.
2Reliability
If the seal is made stationary to prevent twisting, then sealing reliability improves, but the pipe cannot be inserted easily without beveling
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-installed in a compressed state within a recess of the fitting body, and a guide ring is pre-positioned to guide the pipe during insertion. This preliminary arrangement ensures the seal remains stationary and protected during insertion, eliminating the need for pipe beveling while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Ease of operation
If the grip ring is allowed to move freely in the channel, then installation is simpler, but the grip ring can disengage from the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
A guide ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the grip ring and the fitting body. The guide ring has a tapered outer surface that slides along a corresponding tapered region in the channel, providing guided movement and preventing the grip ring from disengaging from the pipe while maintaining installation simplicity.
4Reliability
If a tapered region is added to guide the engagement assembly, then the grip ring is retained properly, but the fitting body becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting body is segmented into functional zones: a smooth region for pipe insertion, a tapered region for guiding and retaining the engagement assembly, and a sealing region. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide ring includes a guide ring body defining a guide outer surface, a guide inner surface opposite the guide outer surface, a first lateral end, a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, a first circumferential end, and a second circumferential end opposite the first circumferential end, the guide inner surface defining a guide ring opening; a gap defined between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end; and an arcuate guide slot extending laterally into the guide ring body and disposed radially between the guide outer surface and the guide inner surface and configured to receive a grip ring; wherein the guide ring body is configured to be compressed radially inward to reduce a width of the gap between the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end.