Internal Pipe Retainer Groove for Push-Lock Spline Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues with lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and lack a 'push to lock' mechanism that automatically expands and secures the joint, necessitating quicker installation methods while maintaining robustness.
Innovation Solution
A pull-actuated retainer system where retainers are mounted internally within a tubular body's groove, actuated radially to engage and disengage with a pipe's groove, eliminating the need for external installation and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly with radial force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separate splines are used in restrained pipe joint systems, then the pipe joint can be secured, but the splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly and require separate handling at the job site
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is merged with the tubular body by mounting it internally within the tubular body's groove, creating an integrated assembly where the retainer cannot be lost during transportation or disassembly. This combines two previously separate components (tubular body and retainer) into a unified structure that eliminates the risk of losing the retainer while maintaining the security function.
2Reliability
If conventional separate splines are used, then the pipe joint can be secured, but installation time increases due to separate handling and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-mounted within the tubular body's groove before the pipe is inserted. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate retainer installation steps at the job site, allowing the pipe to be directly inserted and secured in one continuous motion, thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining joint security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer automatically engages with the pipe's groove when the pipe is inserted into the tubular body. The system performs the securing function automatically through the interaction between the retainer and pipe groove, without requiring additional manual assembly steps, thus improving installation productivity while ensuring reliable joint security.
3Ease of operation
If retainers are mounted externally on the tubular body, then installation might be simpler, but the retainers can be lost during transportation or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is nested within the tubular body's groove, with the retainer positioned inside the tubular body's internal structure. This nesting arrangement ensures that the retainer is protected and retained within the tubular body during transportation and disassembly, preventing loss while still allowing for straightforward installation through the tubular body's opening.
4Extent of automation
If a push-to-lock mechanism is used, then automatic expansion and locking is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to dynamically change its configuration from a compressed state (during insertion) to an expanded state (when engaging the pipe's groove). This dynamic behavior enables automatic locking through the natural expansion of the retainer as it encounters the pipe, achieving automated securing without complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer utilizes changes in its physical parameters (radial expansion and circumferential movement) to achieve automatic locking. As the pipe is inserted, the retainer transitions from a compressed radial state to an expanded state, and from an axial position to a circumferential position, automatically engaging with the pipe's groove and securing the joint without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 provides a quicker, more reliable installation of pipe joints by ensuring retainers are securely mounted and easily disengaged, reducing the risk of lost components and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member for biasing the retainer body radially inward
Implementation Method 2
a bias member for biasing the retainer body radially inward
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe system includes a tubular body having an axis, a bore extending in an axial direction, a tubular body retainer groove formed in the bore, and a tubular body exterior. Retainers are configured to be mounted in the tubular body retainer groove only from the bore of the tubular body. In one version, the retainers cannot be installed in the tubular body retainer groove from the exterior of the tubular body. The retainers are configured to be circumferentially spaced apart from each other with respect to the axis. In addition, a pipe having a pipe exterior with a pipe retainer groove is configured to receive the retainers to form a pipe assembly.