Push-fit Pipe Connector Gripping Assembly Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping assemblies for push-fit pipe connectors require high insertion force due to deformation of teeth and legs, leading to potential pipe damage and difficulties in achieving a leakproof seal, especially for copper pipes, and can result in incorrect installation or pipe blowout.
Innovation Solution
A gripping assembly with a groove that widens radially from entrance to base, allowing the gripping device to rotate instead of deform, reducing insertion force and minimizing pipe damage, and featuring a convexly curved inner edge and concavely curved outer shoulder to control the device's orientation and rotation, ensuring consistent performance across varying pipe diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the gripping device deforms the teeth and legs to retain the pipe, then the pipe retention strength is improved, but the insertion force required increases and the pipe surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device transitions from a static deforming mechanism to a dynamic rotating mechanism. The legs are designed to rotate within the groove during insertion, allowing the gripping device to adapt its orientation dynamically rather than relying on elastic deformation to engage the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The groove geometry is changed from a uniform cross-section to a varying cross-section that widens from entrance to base. This parameter change enables the legs to rotate freely during insertion while maintaining proper gripping orientation after insertion, resolving the contradiction between low insertion force and strong pipe retention
2Strength
If the gripping device deforms the teeth against the pipe surface, then the pipe retention is improved, but the pipe surface becomes scratched making leakproof sealing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device uses rotational motion instead of static deformation to engage the pipe. The teeth rotate into the gripping position rather than being forced against the pipe surface during insertion, minimizing surface damage while maintaining retention strength
Solution Approach 2:
The groove geometry is pre-designed to guide the legs through a rotation path that positions the teeth optimally before pipe engagement. This preliminary orientation preparation eliminates the need for forceful deformation against the pipe surface
3Reliability
If the seal is placed upstream of the gripping device, then leakproof sealing is achieved, but installation errors occur as the seal resistance may cause the installer to assume the joint is complete before full insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing location is moved from the upstream dimension to the downstream dimension relative to the gripping device. This spatial repositioning allows the seal to be placed in a location that does not interfere with the gripping device's rotation and engagement, enabling both accurate installation indication and reliable sealing
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 reduces insertion force, minimizes pipe damage, and allows for a leakproof seal downstream of the gripping device, ensuring reliable pipe retention and consistent performance across different pipe diameters, preventing issues like pipe blowout and damage.
Implementation Method 1
the legs accommodated in the groove can rotate over a certain angle, thereby allowing the whole gripping device to rotate its orientation (i.e. around a tangential axis). Thus, when subjected to a torque upon insertion of a pipe, rather then being deformed or deflected, the teeth will (at least initially) be rotated out of the way
Implementation Method 2
the elastic deformation force that biases the teeth against the outer surface of the pipe will be much lower or absent all together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping assembly (5) for a push-fit pipe connector (1) as well as a connector equipped therewith. Such gripping assembly prevents a pipe (4), once inserted, from being withdrawn from the connector. The assembly comprises a gripping device and a support structure (10). The gripping device comprises inclined teeth (11) extending radially inward, and inclined legs (12) extending radially outward. The support structure comprises an annular groove (15) for accommodating the legs of the gripping device. The groove is formed between an outer wall (18) facing an outer side of the legs, and an inner wall (16) facing the inner side of the legs. A width (x) of the groove, seen in radial cross section, is narrow near an entrance (E) of the groove and widens towards a base (B) of the groove.