Removable Pipe Joint Assembly With Clamp Rings and Sealed Bushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues such as lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and lack a 'push to lock' mechanism that automatically expands and snaps into place, making installation and disassembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A pipe restraining system featuring first and second pipes with grooves, a bushing that hydraulically seals between them, and clamp rings that removably attach the bushing to each pipe, allowing axial loads to be transmitted while maintaining a constant distance between pipes, and enabling easy disassembly by sliding the bushing over one pipe without overlapping the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the pipe joint provides structural connection, but the splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly and the installation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spline feature directly into the bushing component, merging the alignment function with the sealing and connection functions. This eliminates separate spline components that could be lost, while the bushing remains a single integrated part that simplifies handling during installation and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing is designed to slide over the pipe and contain the spline features within its structure. The clamp ring then encloses the bushing, creating a nested arrangement where the spline is protected inside the bushing, preventing loss during transportation while maintaining functionality.
2Productivity
If a push to lock mechanism with automatic expansion is implemented, then installation speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is pre-formed with the spline features and sealing surfaces during manufacturing. During installation, the bushing simply slides over the pipe and the pre-formed features automatically engage with the pipe groove, providing a quick connection without requiring complex expansion mechanisms or multiple steps.
3Ease of operation
If the bushing is designed to slide over the pipe for easy disassembly, then the disassembly process is simplified, but maintaining constant axial distance between pipes becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring is pre-configured with engagement features that contact the bushing at specific axial positions. When the clamp ring is installed and secured, it automatically positions the bushing at the correct axial distance from the pipe, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while enabling easy disassembly by simply releasing the clamp ring.
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 system provides a quick and robust pipe joint assembly that can be easily disassembled without axially moving the pipes, maintaining constant axial distance and allowing for seamless reconfiguration of pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
A bushing bridges and hydraulically seals with the first and second pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe restraining system has first and second pipes. Each pipe has an axis and a groove adjacent an axial end thereof. A bushing bridges and hydraulically seals with the first and second pipes. First and second clamp rings are removably attach the bushing to a respective one of the first and second pipes. When the pipe restraining system is assembled, axial tensile loads passing through the first pipe are transmitted through the first clamp ring, the bushing and the second clamp ring to the second pipe. An axial distance between the first and second pipes remains substantially constant.