High Deflection Restrained Pipe Joint With Optimized Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopically assembled pipe joints that achieve high deflection angles are costly, bulky, and require complex machining, making them expensive and difficult to manufacture, while also necessitating separate fittings to maintain tight seals under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint system featuring a bell socket end with an annular groove and a spigot end that forms a ring-seal assembly with a pivot cavity, allowing high deflection angles and an airtight seal, using a compressible sealing member with radially inward teeth for locking, reducing the mass and manufacturing complexity of the joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional telescopically assembled pipe joints use large bulky bells and sealing members to accommodate high deflections, then the deflection angle is improved, but the weight and volume of the joint increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bell and sealing member to optimize the deflection capability. Specifically, the bell is designed with a reduced diameter and the sealing member is positioned at a specific distance from the pivot point (0.05 to 0.20 times the spigot outer diameter), allowing high deflection angles without increasing overall joint weight or volume
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional relationship by positioning the sealing member at a specific axial distance from the pivot point rather than at the traditional location. This dimensional change allows the sealing function to be maintained while enabling greater deflection angles in a more compact configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If ball and socket joints are used to achieve high deflection angles, then the deflection capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and machining complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the joint into distinct functional components: a simplified bell structure, a separate sealing member, and locking segments. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, avoiding the complex integrated machining required for ball and socket joints while maintaining high deflection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex ball and socket mechanism to achieve deflection, the invention inverts the approach by using a simplified telescopic joint with a strategically positioned sealing member and locking segments. The deflection is accommodated by the flexible sealing arrangement rather than a mechanical ball joint, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If tight seals are implemented in telescopically assembled pipe joints, then the sealing performance is improved, but the joint becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sealing parameter by positioning the sealing member at a specific distance (0.05 to 0.20 times the spigot outer diameter) from the pivot point. This parameter optimization ensures tight sealing performance while maintaining a compact joint volume, eliminating the need for bulky sealing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary element between the bell and spigot, creating an effective seal at a optimized location. This intermediary positioning allows the seal to function effectively without requiring large dimensional features, reducing overall joint volume while maintaining sealing reliability
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 achieves a low-cost, lightweight, and easily manufacturable pipe joint capable of high deflection angles while maintaining an airtight seal under pressure, with reduced material usage and simplified production compared to conventional joints.
Implementation Method 1
an annular compressible member having an inner face defining an opening... forming an annular seal between the annular compressible member and the spigot end
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of locking segments having one or more acutely pointed teeth that extend radially inward through the inner face of the compressible member... impinging upon the spigot end
Data Source
AI summary
A restrained pipe joint with improved deflection including a first pipe having a bell socket end, a second pipe having a spigot end inserted into and pivotable within the bell socket, a pivot plane, a sealing plane and an impingement plane, each of the sealing plane and the impingement plane being spaced a desired distance from the pivot plane, the desired distance being less than 15% of the outer diameter of the spigot end.