Pipe Grip Ring Assembly Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical joint restraints for pipes require a diverse inventory to accommodate various pipe diameters, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and securing different sizes and materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe grip ring assembly with a clamping ring, yoke, and grip elements featuring wedge-shaped surfaces and gripping teeth, along with strengthening ribs and hinged or separate transverse fastener receiving members, which can be adjusted to securely fit and seal pipes of different diameters and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-size clamping ring is used for a specific pipe diameter, then the sealing and securing for that diameter is reliable, but the restraint cannot accommodate pipes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is designed with expandable and contractible properties, allowing it to dynamically adjust its internal diameter to match different pipe sizes. The ring can be compressed during installation and then expands to engage the pipe, providing reliable sealing for each specific diameter while maintaining versatility across multiple pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the clamping ring, specifically its diameter and cross-sectional area, are designed to change under applied force. When the wedge-shaped grip elements are tightened, they force the clamping ring to deform and expand outward, enabling it to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining secure engagement and sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of clamping rings are maintained in inventory to accommodate different pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring assembly is designed as a universal device that can function with pipes of various diameters through a single standardized component design. The expandable nature of the ring allows one size of clamping ring to replace multiple fixed-size rings, eliminating the need for maintaining diverse inventories while preserving adaptability across different pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip ring assembly is divided into separable components including the clamping ring, grip elements, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled and adjusted in the field to accommodate different pipe diameters, providing versatility without requiring pre-configured specialized rings for each size.
3Strength
If the clamping ring is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but the ability to conform to different pipe diameters and materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions and under different conditions. It maintains high structural strength when engaged with the pipe, but allows controlled deformation during the engagement process. The wedge-shaped grip elements provide localized high force where needed while the overall ring structure maintains strength through its geometric design and material selection.
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 versatile and effective mechanical joint restraint capable of securely sealing and gripping pipes of various diameters and materials, enhancing the adaptability and reliability of pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
The grip elements have a wedge shape that is received in and abuts against the adjoining abutment surfaces
Implementation Method 2
The grip elements include gripping teeth projecting towards the outer surface of the pipe
Implementation Method 3
The clamping ring has an inclined face for abutting and pressing against a seal of an annular flange
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical joint restraint including a clamping ring for pressing against a seal of an annular flange, the clamping ring having an annular lip, a pipe grip ring assembly including a yoke with a pair of transverse fastener receiving members, one or more transverse fasteners for fastening the transverse fastener receiving members to one another, and a plurality of grip elements, tightenable against an outer surface of a pipe, wherein the annular inner surfaces of the yoke include adjoining abutment surfaces that form an acute angle, and the grip elements have a wedge shape that is received in and abuts against the adjoining abutment surfaces and one of the abutment surfaces has an extension which is an annular lip that fits over and abuts against the annular lip of the clamping ring.