Pipe Clamp Grip Teeth for Soft and Hard Material Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps and couplings face challenges in providing a reliable seal for a wide variety of pipe materials, as some seals are suitable for soft materials but not hard materials, and vice versa.
Innovation Solution
The development of grip elements with unique cross-sectional shaped teeth that can bite into both soft and hard materials, featuring a base portion with protruding rows of teeth, including a first shape portion with straight sides and a second shape portion that extends perpendicularly to a triangular apex, allowing for a tenacious hold on pipes regardless of material type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seals are used for pipe couplings, then they are suitable for either soft materials or hard materials, but not both types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The grip element features teeth with a specific cross-sectional shape where the straight sides provide a bearing surface that can adapt to both soft and hard pipe materials. The local geometry of the teeth (with rounded corners and specific angle ranges) allows differential interaction - the straight sides distribute pressure for hard materials while the overall tooth structure can deform slightly for soft materials, enabling universal compatibility without sacrificing sealing reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If grip elements with unique cross-sectional shaped teeth are used, then adaptability to different pipe materials is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth cross-section is segmented into distinct geometric features: straight sides for bearing, rounded corners for stress distribution, and specific angle ranges for material adaptation. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function independently, achieving high adaptability through modular geometric design rather than complex organic shapes, thus controlling device complexity
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 grip elements provide a reliable and versatile sealing solution for various pipe materials by increasing friction and grip, ensuring a secure hold on pipes made of different materials, including plastic and metal.
Implementation Method 1
The apex and the corners of the grip element may be rounded... adapted to act in cooperation to grip a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for a clamp assembly includes a grip element which has a base portion including two opposite end faces, rows of teeth that protrude from the base portion, the teeth being arranged in rows with gaps separating them, wherein each of the teeth has a shape as viewed from one of the end faces which includes a first shape portion which has straight sides each of which extends from the base portion to an end, wherein a junction of each of the straight sides with the base portion has a radius, wherein the straight sides form borders of the gaps. Each of the teeth includes another shape portion that extends inwards, away from the gaps. The ends of the straight sides of the first shape portion and the other shape portion cooperate to grip a pipe.