Pipe joint with low insertion load, improved retention and increased high pressure sealing ability gasket and method of manufacture thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-on type pipe joints face challenges in maintaining a secure seal and reducing the insertion force required during assembly, as they often rely on designs that do not effectively utilize the properties of both hard and soft rubber sections to enhance holding force and sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A circular gasket design incorporating a hard rubber portion with a chamfered outer edge and a soft rubber portion with a 'C'-shaped grooved portion, where the soft section overlaps the hard section, creating a unique overlapping configuration that increases holding force and sealing area, thereby reducing the insertion force and improving sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single-material gasket is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the holding force within the socket and sealing capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is constructed from two different rubber materials with distinct properties: a hard rubber portion (first material) providing structural support and hook engagement, and a soft rubber portion (second material) providing sealing contact. This composite structure combines the advantages of both materials to achieve reliable sealing and strong holding force simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is divided into functionally distinct segments: a hard rubber hook portion that engages with the socket groove for retention, and a soft rubber sealing portion that contacts the spigot surface for sealing. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and sealing effectiveness.
2Force
If a hard rubber gasket is used, then the holding force is strong, but the sealing area and insertion force reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the gasket have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the hard rubber hook portion provides strong local engagement with the socket groove for holding force, while the soft rubber sealing portion provides conformal contact and increased sealing area, reducing insertion force through better compliance.
3Area of stationary object
If a soft rubber gasket is used, then the sealing area increases, but the holding force and retention within the socket decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into a hard rubber hook portion that provides mechanical retention through engagement with the socket groove, and a soft rubber sealing portion that provides increased sealing area through conformal contact. This segmentation allows each material to optimize its specific function without compromise.
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 gasket design effectively maintains a dependable seal and reduces the required spigot insertion assembly force by utilizing the unique configuration of hard and soft rubber sections, enhancing the gasket's ability to stay in place within the pipe socket and form a fluid-tight seal under various pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first hard, relatively inflexible portion and a soft, relatively pliable portion... the first hard, relatively inflexible portion configured as a first substantially annular gasket hook portion... the second soft, relatively pliable portion overlapping the first hard, relatively inflexible portion
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe joints and more particularly circular push-on type pipe joints including a flexible gasket having both hard and soft sections and where the hard section has a chamfered outer edge and a “C”-shaped grooved portion on a side opposite of the chamfered outer edge in which a portion of the soft section fills and is connected to and the soft section is configured to partially overlap a flange on an interior surface of a pipe bell end.