Pipe Adapter Assembly With Tapered Grip and High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe connectors fail to efficiently and cost-effectively join pipes of different sizes while maintaining a leak-free and high-pressure seal, especially in demanding applications like subsea pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A pipe adapter with a mechanically actuated grip system using a 60-degree tapered locking mechanism and a leak sealing mechanism comprising compressible and non-compressible rings, along with studs, to securely attach and seal pipes of varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pipe connectors are used to join pipes of different sizes, then connection capability is limited, but device complexity and cost increase when attempting to accommodate multiple pipe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe adapter is designed with a universal structure that can connect multiple different sized pipes through a single device. The adapter incorporates multiple sealing surfaces and gripping mechanisms that can accommodate various pipe diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors for different pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe adapter features a nested structure where smaller pipes can be inserted within larger pipes through the adapter body. The adapter contains internal chambers and sealing rings that nest around different pipe sizes, allowing compact accommodation of multiple pipe diameters within a single connector housing.
2Strength
If mechanical grip systems are used to secure pipes, then connection strength improves, but leak sealing reliability deteriorates without additional sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe adapter merges the mechanical grip system and leak sealing mechanism into a unified structure. The gripping elements and sealing rings are integrated such that the same mechanical forces that secure the pipe also compress the sealing rings, ensuring both strong connection and leak-free seal simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter employs composite sealing structures combining different materials with complementary properties. Metal gripping elements provide mechanical strength and secure attachment, while elastomeric sealing rings provide flexibility and leak prevention. The composite design allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.
3Reliability
If specialized connectors are designed for high-pressure subsea applications, then seal reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe adapter is segmented into modular components including the adapter body, separate sealing rings, and gripping elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to assemble a reliable high-pressure connection system.
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 solution provides a scalable, cost-effective, and leak-free connection for pipes of different sizes, suitable for high-pressure applications, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pipe adapter with a mechanically actuated grip system using a 60-degree tapered locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a leak sealing mechanism comprising compressible and non-compressible rings
Implementation Method 3
A pipe adapter with a mechanically actuated grip system
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pipe adapter assembly that can join different sized pipes together. The pipe adapter assembly may generally comprise a housing, an insert, and a grip actuator. The housing may comprise a lumen and a bore positioned inwardly from a first end. The insert may comprise a passage having a plurality of teeth and a tapered outer surface with at least one slot. The grip actuator may comprise a flanged body and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is configured to fit within the bore of the housing. The protrusion may further include an abutment surface that extends concentrically about an aperture through the grip actuator. In an embodiment, the pipe adapter is configured to receive a pipe member through the lumen, passage, and aperture and to selectively lock the housing to the pipe member.