Joint Restraint Device for Pipe Outer Diameter Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pipeline industry faces inefficiency due to the need for separate tools to reshape and couple pipes, as conventional methods require distinct tools for deformation and coupling, leading to a cumbersome process.
Innovation Solution
A joint restraint device with a circumferential ring body and jacking assemblies that can reshape a pipe's outer diameter to fit within a socket, featuring bolts and jacking bolts to apply mechanical loads and deform the pipe to a desired diameter, allowing for direct coupling with other pipe elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate tools (pipe processing tool and joint restraint) are used for reshaping and coupling pipes, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe processing function and joint restraint function into a single integrated device. The joint restraint device includes a processing tool with a cutting head that can reshape the pipe end, and simultaneously includes a joint restraint mechanism with clamping arms that can couple the pipe to another pipe element. This merging eliminates the need to remove the pipe from the processing tool and use a separate joint restraint tool, thereby simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint restraint device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process the pipe end (cutting, reshaping), it can restrain the pipe during processing, and it can couple the pipe to another pipe element. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what were previously separate tools, improving ease of the coupling process while reducing the number of tools needed.
2Ease of operation
If a pipe with irregular outer diameter is used, then the pipe can be obtained from standard manufacturing, but it cannot be properly inserted into a socket
Solution Approach 1:
The processing tool integrated into the joint restraint device performs preliminary action by reshaping the irregular pipe end before coupling. The cutting head can remove material or reshape the pipe end to create a uniform outer diameter that matches the socket requirements, ensuring proper insertion while accommodating pipes from standard manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the pipe outer diameter is not reshaped, then the pipe can be installed quickly, but it will not engage properly with the socket or fitting
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the processing and coupling functions into one integrated device, the patent allows the reshaping operation to be performed immediately before coupling without removing the pipe or switching tools. This maintains reliability of engagement through proper reshaping while minimizing time loss by eliminating tool transitions and repositioning operations.
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 joint restraint device streamlines the pipe coupling process by integrating reshaping and coupling functions into a single tool, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple tools, thereby facilitating smoother pipe-to-socket insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The joint restraint can have a plurality of jacking assemblies that can be secured to a portion of the first surface of the ring body. Each jacking assembly can have a frame and a jacking bolt. The jacking bolt can be selectively radially moveable relative to the central axis to deform the pipe proximate the maximum outer diameter of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
Each bolt can be configured for selective radial movement relative to the central axis to apply a mechanical load to an outer surface of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A joint restraint for deforming an outer diameter of a pipe for insertion into a socket. The joint restraint can selectively mount to a portion of an irregularly shaped pipe having a maximum outer diameter that differs from a desired substantially constant outer diameter. The joint restraint can have a circumferential ring body surrounding a central axis. A plurality of jacking assemblies can be secured to a portion of the ring body. Each jacking assembly can have a frame and a jacking bolt. The frame can have a threaded aperture that can receive the jacking bolt. Each jacking bolt can be selectively actuatable for radial movement relative to the central axis to deform the pipe proximate the maximum outer diameter of the pipe by selectively urging an outer surface of the pipe to the desired substantially constant outer diameter.