Separation Preventive Pipe Joint with Elastic Cushioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separation preventive pipe joints have poor workability due to complex assembly processes and require extensive time and effort, with some designs experiencing reduced separation prevention functionality when the pipe joint angle is adjusted or deflected.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint featuring a socket with a lock ring storage groove and a cushioning material softer than the lock ring, which expands to provide a wider contact area when a separating force is applied, ensuring reliable separation prevention while allowing for easier assembly and angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metallic lock rings and spigot protrusions are used in separation preventive pipe joints, then the joints can prevent separation under normal conditions, but when pipes are deflected at the joints, the contact becomes edge loading which applies large stress and may damage the components or cause separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member made of elastic material (such as rubber or elastomer) that is disposed in advance between the lock ring and the spigot protrusion. This cushioning member beforehand absorbs and distributes the concentrated edge loading stress that occurs when pipes are deflected, preventing direct contact between the hard metallic components and avoiding damage or separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines different materials with complementary properties: the elastic cushioning member (rubber/elastomer) and the rigid metallic lock ring and spigot protrusion. This composite structure allows the soft material to absorb shock and distribute stress while the hard materials provide structural strength and locking function, resolving the contradiction between separation prevention and stress resistance.
2Reliability
If conventional separation preventive pipe joints with multiple metallic components are used, then separation can be prevented, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires extensive time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cushioning function and the locking function into a single integrated structure. The cushioning member is disposed within the lock ring assembly, merging what would otherwise be separate components into one unified unit that performs both shock absorption and separation prevention, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of parts to be installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member is designed to automatically deform and expand when subjected to separating forces or during assembly, providing self-adjusting stress distribution without requiring additional adjustment steps. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for complex alignment or tightening procedures, speeding up assembly while maintaining reliable separation prevention.
3Reliability
If conventional rigid lock rings are used, then separation prevention is achieved, but the pipe joint angle cannot be easily adjusted or deflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the previously rigid lock ring assembly by incorporating the elastic cushioning member. This allows the joint to dynamically adjust to deflection angles and accommodate pipe misalignment while maintaining the separation prevention function. The cushioning member's elasticity enables the joint to flex and adapt to different angles without compromising the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the lock ring assembly from completely rigid to having controlled elasticity through the cushioning member. This parameter change allows the joint to accommodate angular adjustments and deflections while still providing reliable separation prevention, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing reliability.
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 enhances the separation prevention functionality, reduces assembly time and effort, and facilitates adjustments to the pipe joint angle, improving workability and reliability in preventing separation under water pressure forces.
Implementation Method 1
the contact area of the cushioning material with the lock ring is deformed to expand in a circumferential direction according to an increase in force in a direction that separates the spigot from the socket
Data Source
AI summary
A separation preventive pipe joint having an adjustable angle of deflection. A lock ring storage groove accommodates a metallic lock ring that can be engaged with a spigot protrusion and a cushioning material that comes into contact with a bottom of the lock ring storage groove and a side wall on a socket opening side. The cushioning material is made of a material softer than the lock ring.