Lined Pipe Joint Assembly Without Precision End Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for joining hollow structures, such as pipes, are inefficient and prone to leaks due to the need for precise grinding and the use of metal fittings, which are costly and difficult to automate, leading to structural weaknesses and challenges in constructing lengthy pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A method involving connecting pipe sections with inner liners to connection members, forming assemblies, and sliding them into sleeves with spacers to create a joint, using adhesives and compression to lock the liners in place, eliminating the need for precise machining and metal fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grinding of pipe ends is used to enable interference fit joining, then the pipe sections can be joined together, but the process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and requires precision machining that is difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pipe end into two separate functional components: a connection member (with external threading or other connection features) and the pipe body. This segmentation allows the connection member to be pre-fitted to the pipe end without requiring precision grinding of the pipe itself, enabling faster assembly while maintaining joint integrity through the dedicated connection interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member acts as an intermediary component between two pipe sections. Instead of joining pipe ends directly through precision-machined interference fits, the connection member mediates the joint, providing threading or other connection features that enable reliable assembly without requiring the pipe ends themselves to be precisely ground.
2Manufacturing precision
If precision grinding is performed on pipe ends, then accurate joint geometry is achieved, but dust is generated creating safety hazards and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pipe end into a separate connection member, the invention eliminates the need for precision grinding of the pipe end itself. The connection member can be manufactured with precise features (such as threading) through controlled manufacturing processes that do not generate hazardous dust, while the pipe end maintains its original smooth surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the connection function from the pipe end surface, removing the requirement for precision grinding of the pipe. The connection features are taken out and incorporated into a separate connection member that can be attached to the pipe end through simpler, dust-free processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional jointing methods are used, then pipe sections can be connected, but the joints create leak paths and are subject to structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member serves as an intermediary that provides a reliable sealing interface between pipe sections. It incorporates features such as gland packs, O-rings, or other sealing mechanisms that prevent leak paths, while its threaded or otherwise connected interface ensures structural integrity without the failures associated with conventional direct pipe-to-pipe joining methods.
4Reliability
If metal end fittings and complex wedging arrangements are used for jointing, then connections can be made, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the connection function into a dedicated connection member with standardized threading or connection features. This allows for simple, repeatable assembly operations that can be easily automated, replacing complex manual wedging arrangements with straightforward screwing or threading operations that can be performed by automated machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the connection parameter from complex mechanical wedging arrangements to standardized threading or screwing operations. This parameter change enables automation, as threaded connections can be precisely controlled and executed by automated assembly systems, improving both the extent of automation and consistency of connection strength.
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
This method provides a leakproof, strong joint that is faster, safer, and easier to produce, allowing for continuous pipeline construction without specialized labor and accommodating inaccuracies in pipe sizes, enabling efficient assembly line production.
Implementation Method 1
The binder preferably comprises a settable plastic, such as a resinous binder or resin. The binder sets to a resin matrix for binding the layers of reinforcing fabric together and to bind the reinforcement to the inner portion to provide the integrated tubular wall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining two pipe sections of laminate structure and having an inner liner, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a first pipe section to a first connection member to form a first assembly; (b) disposing the first assembly within a sleeve with a space disposed between an outer surface of the first pipe section and an inner surface of the sleeve; (c) optionally connecting the sleeve to the first assembly; (d) providing a second pipe section with a second connection member joinable with the first connection member; (e) moving the second pipe section and the first assembly towards each other; and (f) connecting the second pipe section to the first assembly through joining the second connection member to the first connection member to form a joint, the inner liner of both the first and second pipe sections being locked within the joint.