Locking Pipe Joint Assembly with Zero-Resistance Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for connecting piping systems, such as soldering, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose safety risks, while existing push-fit technologies require multiple materials and tools, limiting versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A locking pipe joint assembly that uses a center body connector, sealing elements, and a packing arrangement with a retaining cap to create a leak-free seal without clamps, solder, or glue, allowing for zero resistance insertion and removal of piping elements, and accommodating both like and unlike piping elements without threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect piping systems, then joint strength and reliability are improved, but the process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical push-fit connection system. The fitting includes internal mechanical elements (such as grip rings with teeth or elastic deformation mechanisms) that mechanically engage with the pipe outer surface, providing a secure connection without heat, flux, or solder. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming and hazardous soldering steps while maintaining joint reliability through pure mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the soldering materials and processes from the connection system. Instead of requiring copper pipes, flux, silver solder, torches, and multiple preparation steps, the fitting is designed to directly mechanically engage with the pipe. This extraction simplifies the connection process to essentially two steps: cutting the pipe and pushing it into the fitting, dramatically reducing connection time and eliminating safety hazards.
2Productivity
If push-fit technology is used to connect piping systems, then connection speed and safety are improved, but the requirement for multiple materials and tools limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fitting with universal adaptability to connect different pipe materials (copper, PEX, CPVC, HDPE, stainless steel, etc.) and different connection scenarios (insertion, removal, reconnection). The mechanical engagement mechanism is material-agnostic, relying on geometric compatibility rather than material-specific properties. This allows a single fitting design to serve multiple functions across diverse piping systems, enhancing versatility without sacrificing connection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates dynamic elements such as elastic deformation capabilities and movable grip rings that can adapt to different pipe diameters and materials. The elastic portion can deform to accommodate varying pipe sizes, and the grip rings can adjust their engagement force. This dynamic adaptability allows the same fitting to securely connect different types of pipes while maintaining fast, tool-free installation.
3Strength
If fastening rings with teeth are used to grip the pipe, then connection security is improved, but resistance to pipe insertion and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gripping mechanism into distinct functional zones: a smooth insertion path for the pipe, and a separate engagement zone with teeth or elastic grip elements that activate only after insertion. The pipe first passes through a smooth section without resistance, then engages with the segmented grip elements that provide securing force. This segmentation allows the fitting to offer both easy insertion (zero resistance during insertion) and strong holding power (after engagement).
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed with preliminary preparation features such as pre-formed elastic deformation zones, pre-positioned grip rings, and pre-configured internal geometry that guides the pipe into place. These preliminary structural arrangements ensure that when the pipe is inserted, the gripping elements are already positioned to engage smoothly without requiring forceful insertion or creating resistance. The preliminary action of proper geometric design eliminates insertion resistance while maintaining connection security.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking pipe joint assembly, device and method can employ a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, such as a wiper seal and a sealing ring, a sealing ring retainer and a retaining cap. In various embodiments, primary and secondary fastening rings are employed along with a retaining cap sleeve. In embodiments, the retaining cap includes an internal or external thread that mates with an external or internal thread on one side of the center body connector, which allows the retaining cap to tighten the packing arrangement components around an inserted piping or tubing element, and in secure engagement with the interior of the center body connector. In embodiments, a bolt element is provided for further securing of the retaining cap to the center body connector.