Modular Precast Pipe Collar System for Flexible Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular pipe systems for sewer and drainage applications face challenges in efficiently managing elevation changes and corner transitions, leading to turbulence and reduced flow efficiency due to rigid connections and the use of junction boxes, which can cause fractures and environmental issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular pipe system comprising precast cement-based pipe sections with connection profiles and a collar system made of modular collar elements that allow for flexible connections, enabling angled or curved sections to be assembled for desired radii and providing a semi-loose fitting for stress relief, reducing turbulence and enhancing structural integrity and water tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections and junction boxes are used for pipe assembly, then structural strength is improved, but turbulence increases and flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple modular collar elements that can be assembled around the pipe connection. Each collar element engages with the connection profile at specific locations, distributing the structural support across multiple points rather than using a single rigid junction box, thereby reducing turbulence while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar elements are designed with a configuration that allows them to flex and adapt to the connection profile, creating a semi-loose fitting that accommodates stress relief while maintaining structural integrity. This flexibility reduces turbulence compared to rigid connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional precast pipe sections are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to elevation changes and corner transitions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collar elements are designed to be adjustable and adaptable to different pipe configurations including angled and curved sections. The modular nature allows the same basic collar element design to be used across various elevation changes and corner transitions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar element design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, seals the joint, and adapts to various pipe orientations and configurations. This universal design allows a single collar element type to handle elevation changes, corner transitions, and straight sections, enhancing versatility without complicating manufacturing.
3Strength
If rigid pipe connections are used, then structural integrity is improved, but stress relief capability deteriorates leading to fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The collar elements are designed with specific geometric parameters that allow them to engage the connection profile in a way that provides structural integrity while accommodating stress movements. The engagement depth, angle, and distribution of collar elements can be adjusted to optimize both strength and stress relief capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular collar elements are positioned to engage the connection profile in advance, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs and distributes stress before it can cause fractures. The semi-loose fitting design allows for stress relief while maintaining structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular collar elements are used instead of single-piece collars, then adaptability and stress relief are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into multiple identical or similar modular elements that can be assembled around the pipe connection. This segmentation allows for stress relief and adaptability while keeping each individual element simple in design, offsetting the increased number of parts with simplified individual component geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular collar elements are designed to be homogeneous in their basic structure and material composition, allowing them to be manufactured using the same processes and assembled in a standardized manner. This homogeneity reduces the complexity burden of having multiple parts by making them interchangeable and uniformly simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular pipe and a method of installing the pipe uses a first pipe section positioned in end to end relation with a second pipe section, the first and second pipe sections being precast from a cement-based material, wherein each pipe section has an outer surface, a flow passage, a first end, and a second end. Each end has a connection profile, an axis, and an end face that is perpendicular to the axis. A collar surrounds and secures the connection between adjacent ends. The collar is constructed from a plurality of collar elements. Each collar element overlaps the pipe connection and engages the connection profile along a portion of the perimeter of each of the first end of the second pipe section and the second end of the first pipe section.