Pipe Grip Tensioning for Even Gasket Compression and Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joint connection methods, such as bell and spigot joints, often experience leakage due to improper compression of gaskets and uneven tightening, leading to unreliable sealing and restraining of pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A double-looped tensioning system is applied through a bore in the pipe section to compress a gasket and apply a circumferential gripping force, ensuring effective sealing and restraint by using a tensioner that can be shortened and tightened using a bolt or clamp mechanism, allowing for simultaneous compression of gaskets and application of force to the exterior surface of the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple bolts are used to tighten flange connections, then the connection strength is improved, but the tightening process becomes complex and uneven compression occurs leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bolt tightening functions into a single turnbuckle mechanism. The turnbuckle applies centralized tension that is distributed uniformly across all bolts simultaneously, eliminating the complexity of individual bolt tightening while achieving the same connection strength through unified force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnbuckle acts as an intermediary device between the external tightening force and the multiple bolts. It translates a single rotational input into synchronized linear motion of all bolts, ensuring even compression of the gasket and eliminating the uneven tightening that causes leakage.
2Force
If the split ring compresses the inserted pipe portion early, then the restraining action is improved, but the gasket compression is insufficient leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the gasket for preliminary compression by the turnbuckle before the split ring engages the pipe portion. As the turnbuckle is tightened, the gasket is compressed first to create the seal, and only afterward does the split ring begin to compress the pipe portion for restraining action, ensuring sealing reliability is established before mechanical restraint.
3Ease of manufacture
If gaskets are not glued in place, then the installation simplicity is improved, but leakage occurs at the radially outward portion of the gasket
Solution Approach 1:
The turnbuckle applies preliminary radial inward force to the gasket before the split ring is fully tightened. This pre-compression seats the gasket firmly against the radially outward portion of the bell end, creating a reliable seal without requiring adhesive. The gasket is compressed into its sealing position in advance, preventing leakage during subsequent tightening operations.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient method for sealing and restraining pipe joints, reducing leakage and ensuring secure connections by evenly distributing tension across the gasket and pipe surface, enhancing the sealing and restraining action in fluid systems.
Implementation Method 1
tension is applied through a tightener or tensioner from a bore extending through an exterior surface of a first pipe section to an internal portion of the first pipe section so that the tightener restricts and/or applies a compressive force about an exterior surface of a second pipe section
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe grip is having an ability to apply increased compressive pressure against an exterior surface of an inserted spigot end of a pipe internal to a bell end of a pipe such as indirectly against a gasket to provide an improved pipe seal or directly against the exterior surface to provide a pipe restraint so as to prevent the spigot end from pulling out from the bell end in an undesired manner. The pipe grip preferably applies one of tension and/or movement of a tensioner from internal to the bell end of the pipe such as from a groove through a bore to an external surface of a pipe where a tension applying device applies tension so as to at least one of move and/or apply tension to the tensioner through one or more bores which extend from the external surface of the bell end of the pipe to an internal surface of the bell end of the pipe to direct a compressive force onto the inserted pipe section.