Pipe Connector Radial Locking via Rotational Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection fittings for tubular pipes, particularly those made of cast iron, face high production costs and ineffective locking due to the complexity of helical ramps, and axial movement issues during pressurization, which affect the sealing and immobilization of pipe elements.
Innovation Solution
The connection fitting features inclined ramps and a counter-flange that rotates around the central axis to move locking elements between release and locking positions, using a counter-ramp mechanism to ensure secure locking without axial displacement, and incorporates an elastically deformable locking ring with radial lugs and a locking pawl for enhanced stability and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If helical ramps are used on the clamping ring to enable axial movement for locking, then axial locking of the pipe is achieved, but production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using helical ramps on the clamping ring to generate axial movement, the invention inverts the approach by using inclined ramps on the locking lining that convert rotational movement of the clamping ring into radial movement of the locking elements. This eliminates the need for complex helical ramps on the clamping ring while achieving the same locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism - the inclined ramps on the locking lining - that mediates between the rotational movement of the clamping ring and the radial movement of the locking elements. This intermediary converts the motion type needed, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If the clamping ring moves axially to lock the pipe, then locking is achieved, but the locking lining and pipe may move during pressurization affecting locking effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the motion mechanism: instead of axial movement of the clamping ring generating locking, rotational movement of the clamping ring acts on inclined ramps to generate radial movement of the locking elements. This eliminates axial displacement during pressurization while maintaining locking effectiveness through radial bearing on the spigot.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the locking mechanism dynamic by allowing the locking elements to move radially in response to rotational movement of the clamping ring, rather than relying on axial movement. This dynamic radial adjustment ensures stable locking that is not affected by pressurization-induced axial movements.
3Ease of manufacture
If inclined ramps with rotational actuation are used instead of helical ramps, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the mechanism complexity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention simplifies the mechanism by inverting the motion conversion approach: instead of using helical ramps to convert rotation to axial movement, it uses inclined ramps to convert rotation to radial movement. This inversion reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the same functional result.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the complex helical ramp structure from the clamping ring and replaces it with simpler inclined ramps on the locking lining. This extraction removes the manufacturing complexity while preserving the essential locking function through the modified motion conversion mechanism.
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
This design reduces production costs and ensures effective axial locking of tubular pipes by maintaining immobility of locking elements during rotation, providing a secure and economical solution for connecting pipes made of various materials, including plastic.
Implementation Method 1
The locking ring (8) is elastically deformable and has a plurality of locking elements (38) which project axially from said base body (30)
Implementation Method 2
the or each ramp is inclined in the circumferential direction around the central axis and in that the actuating member is adapted to move the or each locking element between its release and locking positions by acting on the or each ramp
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The fitting (2) has a locking element radially movable with respect to a central axis (X-X) between released and locking positions in which a locking surface of the element is disengaged from and applied on an outer surface of a spigot end (6), respectively. A circumferential groove is arranged in a counter flange (10) that includes a counter-ramp to actuate an outer ramp inclined in a circumferential direction. The counter-ramp moves the element between the released and locking positions by acting on the ramp by rotating the flange around the axis with respect to the element.