Reinforced Pipe Connector Grip for High-Torque Thread Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors used with power tongs often suffer from thread damage due to the direct application of force required to achieve high torque values, limiting the torque that can be applied without damaging the threaded connections.
Innovation Solution
The extended pipe connector features a gripping surface along its outside diameter, free from internal threading, and a reinforced portion to distribute the torque, allowing for higher torque values to be applied without damaging the threaded connections, and includes torque stops to facilitate full makeup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power tongs are used to apply high torque to connectors with threaded connection portions, then connection torque is improved, but thread damage occurs due to direct force application
Solution Approach 1:
The extended gripping portion acts as an intermediary element between the power tongs and the threaded connection portions. By providing a separate gripping surface that extends beyond the threaded areas, it allows force application without direct contact between the tongs and threads, thus preventing thread damage while enabling high torque application
2Ease of operation
If the gripping surface is extended to provide sufficient grip length, then ease of operation with power tongs is improved, but the connector body length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surface is extended in the axial dimension of the connector body, utilizing the length dimension to provide sufficient grip length for power tong operation. This allows the connector to maintain adequate gripping surface area without increasing radial or other dimensional measurements that would affect space requirements
3Strength
If the wall thickness is increased to provide a reinforced portion, then strength and resistance to deformation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall thickness is increased only in the specific region where the extended gripping portion is located, creating a localized reinforced portion. This allows the connector to gain additional strength and deformation resistance exactly where the gripping forces are applied, without unnecessarily increasing wall thickness throughout the entire connector body, thus maintaining manufacturing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting pipes and for use with power tongs have a die length. The connector includes a body with threaded connection portions at each end of the body on an inside surface of the body. The connector includes a gripping surface defined on an outside surface of the body between the threaded connection portions. The gripping surface is at least as long as the die length. The connector includes a reinforced portion of the body proximate each of the threaded connection portions for increasing resistance to deformation of the body upon being connected with a pipe. The gripping surface and the reinforced portion together facilitate an increase in connection torque of pipes connected with the connector.