Pipe Connector Gripper Teeth for Mixed-Hardness Pipe Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connectors face challenges in securely gripping pipes due to uniform and evenly spaced teeth that may not effectively engage pipes of varying hardness and shape, leading to potential decoupling and inadequate retention.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates grippers with teeth of varying radial distances and angles, allowing for differential engagement with pipes of different materials, such as ductile iron and PVC, ensuring secure grip through a cam ring mechanism that applies radial and axial forces to wedge the teeth into the pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uniform and evenly spaced teeth are used in the clamping ring, then the manufacturing is simple and consistent, but the gripping effectiveness on pipes of varying hardness and shape is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidgripping effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the tooth characteristics at different locations around the clamping ring. Specifically, the teeth have different radial distances from the center axis, with some teeth extending further radially outward than others. This local variation allows different teeth to engage with pipes of different materials and shapes, improving gripping effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements asymmetry by positioning teeth at different radial distances from the center axis of the clamping ring. Instead of uniform circular arrangement, the teeth are asymmetrically distributed with varying distances, creating different engagement depths with the pipe surface. This asymmetric configuration enhances adaptability to various pipe materials and shapes, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and gripping reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If teeth are uniformly sized and shaped, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pipe materials and shapes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth configuration complexityVSAvoidadaptability to pipe materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making teeth at different locations have different properties. Specifically, teeth are positioned at different radial distances from the center axis, creating local variations in engagement characteristics. This allows the same clamping ring to effectively grip different pipe materials (such as ductile iron and PVC) and shapes without requiring multiple specialized tools, thus improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by designing a single clamping ring with varied tooth configurations that can handle multiple pipe types. The teeth with different radial distances provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same device to effectively grip various pipe materials and shapes. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized clamping rings, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If radial compressive force is focused at evenly spaced locations, then the force distribution is predictable and consistent, but the gripping force on pipes of different hardness is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distribution consistencyVSAvoidgripping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating radial compressive force at specific locations where teeth are positioned at greater radial distances from the center axis. These strategically positioned teeth create localized high-force contact points that can penetrate and grip harder pipe materials more effectively. The force distribution remains consistent in terms of cam ring mechanism operation, but the local force concentration at varied tooth positions improves overall gripping effectiveness on pipes of different hardness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the gripping force and adaptability to different pipe materials, preventing decoupling and ensuring a secure connection by varying the angle and position of teeth to accommodate pipes of different hardness and shapes.

Implementation Method 1

a cam ring mechanism that applies radial and axial forces to wedge the teeth into the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

applies radial and axial forces to wedge the teeth into the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20230124586A1Pipe Connector, Gripper, and Gripper Teeth
Publication Date: 2023.04.20 KENNEDY VALVE CO
  • US20230124586A1 patent drawing
  • US20230124586A1 patent drawing
  • US20230124586A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A gripper for a pipe connector includes a body, a first tooth, and a second tooth. The body has a first side, a second side adjacent the first side, a third side adjacent the first side and opposite the second side, and a fourth side adjacent the second side and the third side and opposite the first side. The first tooth extends from the fourth side of the body at a first distance from the first side of the body perpendicular to the first side of the body. The second tooth extends from the fourth side of the body at a second distance from the first side of the body perpendicular to the first side of the body. The second distance is less than the first distance.