Removable Pipe Joint Assembly With Clamp Rings for Quick Locking
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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 for axial load transmission and maintaining a constant distance between pipes, with features like threaded nuts and interlocking fingers for secure assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the pipe joints can be restrained axially, but the splines are lost during transportation or disassembly and the installation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic separate spline component and integrates its restraining function directly into the pipe end structure. The recess and protrusion features are formed as integral parts of the pipe ends, eliminating the need for separate splines that could be lost during transportation or disassembly, while maintaining effective axial restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the restraining function with the pipe end structure itself. The recess in one pipe end and protrusion in the other pipe end are combined to form an integrated restraint mechanism, eliminating the need for separate restraint components and simplifying the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If conventional restrained pipe joint systems are used, then axial restraint is provided, but the installation process is time-consuming and lacks quick locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe ends are pre-formed with recess and protrusion features during manufacturing. These restraining features are prepared in advance, so that during installation, the pipes can be quickly connected by simply aligning and inserting them, without requiring additional steps to install separate restraint components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe ends automatically perform the restraining function through their own geometric features (recess and protrusion). The structure is self-restraining, eliminating the need for external restraint mechanisms or complex assembly procedures, thereby speeding up installation while maintaining reliable axial restraint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reversible pipe joints are used, then disassembly is possible, but the installation time increases and robustness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a reversible joint mechanism where the protrusion can be inserted into the recess for assembly, and can be removed by applying force in the opposite direction. This dynamic capability allows the joint to transition between assembled and disassembled states, providing both adaptability and reasonable installation efficiency.
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 enables quick and robust pipe joint assembly with secure locking and easy disassembly without axial movement of the pipes, maintaining constant distance and supporting both tensile and compressive loads, while being free of metal components for enhanced durability.
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 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.