Lateral Pipe Connection Assembly Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service connections between main wastewater or storm water pipes and lateral pipes often suffer from misalignment and excessive penetration due to improperly formed holes and excessive axial force, leading to operational and inspection issues.
Innovation Solution
A service lateral pipe connection assembly featuring a cylindrical elastomeric sleeve with a sinusoidal stop and resilient rib, combined with a rigid hub and shoulder configuration, ensures proper alignment and restricts unwanted penetration by using a stainless steel band for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cored hole in the mainline pipe is not properly formed, then the hole may be oblong rather than circular, but this causes misalignment of the service connection with the mainline pipe and misalignment of the service lateral
Solution Approach 1:
The hub includes a shoulder with a leading edge that engages the outer surface of the mainline pipe before the hub is fully inserted into the cored hole. This preliminary engagement establishes proper alignment of the service lateral with the mainline pipe even when the hole is oblong or improperly formed, preventing misalignment issues
Solution Approach 2:
The sinusoidal stop on the elastomeric sleeve changes the engagement parameters between the hub and mainline pipe. The varying radius of the sinusoidal stop allows the hub to self-align within the cored hole, accommodating variations in hole shape while maintaining proper alignment
2Strength
If excessive axial force is applied on the service lateral pipe when fitting the spigot end into the connection hub, then the connection may be secured, but this causes undesirable penetration of the sleeved end of the hub into the mainline pipe, interfering with operation and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder on the hub creates a preliminary counter-action force against further insertion when the leading edge of the shoulder engages the outer surface of the mainline pipe. This prevents excessive penetration even when excessive axial force is applied during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The sinusoidal stop on the elastomeric sleeve provides preliminary engagement with the hub before full insertion is complete. This preliminary engagement restricts the amount of penetration that can occur, preventing interference with mainline pipe operation and inspection
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 assembly achieves precise alignment and controlled penetration, preventing interference with the mainline pipe operation and inspection, even with non-circular holes and excessive force applications.
Implementation Method 1
one end of which fits into an elastomeric sleeve
Implementation Method 2
A stainless steel band is fastened around the sleeve to secure it to the hub
Data Source
AI summary
An improved lateral pipe connection assembly that effects proper alignment of the lateral connection and restricts to the desired amount the penetration of the hub into the cored hole of the mainline pipe to which it is connected.