Pipe Joint Anti-Rotation Locking for Pump Cable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe systems experience rotational issues due to applied torque, leading to power cable disconnection or breakage, particularly in drop pipe systems where pumps exert rotational forces, causing the power cable to wrap around the pipe and disconnect or split.
Innovation Solution
An anti-rotation apparatus is introduced, featuring a stop piece with a body, retaining portion, and locking part, which is installed in a pipe joint to prevent relative rotation by aligning with locking grooves on the joint parts, using resilient elements to facilitate assembly and ensure locking engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe joints are made separable and movable to allow axial movement, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but rotational stability deteriorates leading to cable damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation apparatus is divided into separate components: a stop piece with locking part, receiving receptacle in the first joint part, and locking receptacle in the second joint part. This segmentation allows the joint to remain separable for installation while providing rotational locking when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop piece acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the two joint parts. It provides the locking mechanism that prevents rotation while allowing the joint to remain separable, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and rotational stability.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the existing joint structure. The stop piece integrates the locking part, retaining portion, and resilient element into a single component that fits within the existing joint geometry, minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop piece is nested within the joint structure, with the locking part extending into the locking receptacle and the retaining portion held by the resilient element within the receiving receptacle. This nesting approach provides rotational locking without adding external complexity to the joint.
3Ease of operation
If resilient elements are used to retain the stop piece, then ease of assembly is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element changes the mechanical parameters of the retaining system, allowing for tolerances in the receiving receptacle dimensions. The elasticity of the resilient element compensates for dimensional variations, reducing the precision requirements compared to rigid retention methods.
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 anti-rotation apparatus effectively prevents relative rotation between pipe sections, maintaining the integrity of the pipe system and preventing power cable damage, ensuring reliable operation of the pump system.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element connected to the body and biasing the locking part in the radial direction relative to the axis
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-rotation apparatus for a pipe joint includes: a stop piece having a body with a retaining portion and a locking part; a first joint part and a second joint part coupled to one another and having an axis in a lengthwise direction of the pipe joint; a locking receptacle provided in the first joint part; and a receiving receptacle provided in the second joint part. The retaining portion is disposed in the receiving receptacle of the second joint part. The locking part protrudes and is movable in a radial direction relative to the axis. When the locking part and the locking receptacle are rotationally aligned, the locking part is disposed in the locking receptacle of the first joint part and relative rotation about the axis between the first joint part and the second joint part is prevented.