Pipe Fitting Grip Ring Assembly for Bevel-Free Multi-Material Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Push-type pipe fittings often experience seal misalignment and require beveling of pipes, and plastic grip rings are limited in strength and material compatibility, failing to securely connect pipes of varying materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting with a metal grip ring and gasket assembly, featuring a tapered channel and sliding engagement mechanism, which securely engages pipes of different materials without the need for beveling, using a grip ring with inward teeth and a guide ring to prevent misalignment and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plastic grip ring is used to grip the pipe, then the fitting can connect plastic pipes or tubing, but the grip ring lacks sufficient strength and cannot grip metal pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring is constructed as a composite structure combining a plastic body with metal teeth embedded in it. The plastic provides flexibility and compatibility with plastic pipes, while the metal teeth provide the necessary strength to grip metal pipes. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties into a single functional component.
2Reliability
If the seal is provided within the channel to create a fluid-tight seal, then the connection is sealed, but the seal twists or rotates within the fitting and can be pushed through the fitting
Solution Approach 1:
A guide ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the seal and the channel wall. The guide ring maintains the seal's radial position and prevents rotation by providing a stable mounting surface. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by decoupling the seal's sealing function from its positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel includes a tapered region that preliminarily guides and centers the seal as the pipe is inserted. This preliminary action ensures the seal is properly positioned before it engages with the pipe, preventing misalignment and rotation during the insertion process.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe is pushed into the channel to connect, then the connection is simple and quick, but the pipe can push the seal through the fitting instead of extending through the stationary seal
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered region in the channel performs preliminary guidance and centering of the seal before the pipe makes full contact. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment is established during insertion, maintaining precision without requiring complex mechanisms or post-insertion adjustments.
4Strength
If a grip ring with inward teeth is used to bite into the pipe, then the grip strength is improved, but the grip ring may disengage from the pipe/tubing without additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of plastic and metal in the grip ring creates a structure where the metal teeth provide gripping strength while the plastic body provides structural support and retention. This composite construction resolves the contradiction by having each material perform its strength advantage function while supporting the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide ring acts as an intermediary that provides additional support to the grip ring assembly. It prevents the grip ring from disengaging by providing a retaining structure, while allowing the grip ring to maintain its gripping function on the pipe.
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 secure, fluid-tight connection for pipes of various materials, enhancing the reliability and ease of use by eliminating the need for beveling and ensuring the grip ring remains engaged, while the gasket ensures a tight seal without material limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end; and an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel... configured to slide along the tapered region
Implementation Method 2
an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region
Implementation Method 4
a seal, such as an O-ring, is provided within the channel and is configured to create a fluid-tight seal with the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting includes a fitting body defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a first fitting end, and an second fitting end, the inner surface defining a channel extending from the first fitting end to the second fitting end, a portion of the inner surface defining a tapered region tapering towards the first fitting end; and an engagement assembly comprising a metal grip ring received in the channel, the metal grip ring defining a ring body and a plurality of teeth extending inward from the ring body, the engagement assembly configured to slide along the tapered region.