Hydraulic Pipe Connector Locking Jaws for Faster Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connectors are inefficient due to the need for a mandrel with specific hole configurations and a tedious, time-consuming connection process.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a locking device with sliding jaws and a piston mechanism, utilizing hydraulic fluid to securely engage with a mandrel or pipe, and a piston locking mechanism to facilitate quick and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded connector rods are used to interlock pipes, then the connection can be secure, but the connection process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual threading operation with a hydraulic actuation system. A piston driven by hydraulic fluid automatically advances the locking jaws onto the pipe, eliminating the need for manual screwing while maintaining secure mechanical engagement through threaded locking jaws that bite into the pipe surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs a hydraulic piston mechanism where hydraulic fluid is introduced to drive the piston, which in turn moves the locking device and jaws into engagement with the pipe. This hydraulic actuation enables rapid, automated connection without manual threading, directly addressing the time-consuming nature of conventional connectors.
2Reliability
If multiple threaded connector rods extend from the housing, then connection security is achieved, but the requirement for a mandrel with specific hole configurations reduces adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing integrates multiple locking jaws and hydraulic actuation mechanisms into a single universal device that can engage with pipes of various configurations. The hydraulic system provides centralized control over multiple jaws, allowing the same connector to adapt to different pipe types and mandrel configurations without requiring separate specialized connectors for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking jaws are designed to be dynamically adjustable through hydraulic actuation, allowing them to move between retracted and engaged positions. This dynamic capability enables the connector to adapt to different pipe diameters and configurations by adjusting the engagement depth and position of each jaw independently through the hydraulic piston system.
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 enables efficient and rapid interlocking of pipes by using hydraulic fluid to move the locking device and piston, overcoming the limitations of conventional connectors by simplifying the connection process and ensuring secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a piston disposed within a housing and in fluid communication with a source of hydraulic fluid. The piston is movable within the housing from an initial position to an engaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector system includes an upper housing forming an upper inner cavity; a lower housing forming a lower inner cavity, the upper inner cavity is coaxially aligned with the lower inner cavity; a piston cavity formed between the upper housing and lower housing; a piston disposed within the piston cavity, the piston is configured to slidingly engage within the piston cavity; a locking device configured to traverse within the upper housing, the locking device having a plurality of locking jaws surrounding a periphery of the inner cavity, the locking device, having a base integral with the plurality of locking jaws, the base is configured to rest on the piston; a first port in fluid communication with an upper chamber positioned at a first end of the piston within the piston chamber; and a second port in fluid communication with a lower chamber positioned at a second end of the piston within the piston chamber.