Pipe Joint Gland Restraint Assembly for Leak-Resistant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical joint pipe connections lack a positive retention mechanism, leading to potential seal compromise and pipe deformation or cracking under high tension forces, such as water hammer, which can result in leaks or environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A gland with an annular ring and joint restraint assemblies, featuring grippers that engage the pipe length to prevent removal, combined with a deactivation mechanism to allow easy insertion and activation, providing a secure seal without exerting excessive stress on the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a joint restraint mechanism is incorporated to provide positive retention, then the connection reliability is improved, but high stresses are exerted on the pipe length leading to deformation, creep, and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper surfaces are designed with varying engagement characteristics - the leading edge has a smaller contact area to reduce stress concentration during insertion, while the trailing edge has a larger contact area for secure retention. This parameter variation allows the joint restraint mechanism to provide positive retention without exerting excessive stress that would cause deformation, creep, or cracking of the pipe length.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed to rotate from an initial engagement position to a final engagement position. During rotation, the engagement surface transitions from a smaller leading edge to a larger trailing edge, dynamically adapting the stress distribution. This dynamic movement allows smooth engagement without sudden stress spikes that could damage the pipe length, while still providing reliable retention in the final position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a joint restraint mechanism is incorporated to prevent pipe removal, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint restraint mechanism is integrated into the existing gland structure, with the gripper formed as part of the gland body or attached to it. The gripper works in conjunction with the gasket and socket, merging multiple retention functions into a unified assembly. This integration provides stable pipe retention without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed as a distinct component within the gland assembly, allowing it to be analyzed and manufactured separately before integration. The gripper's engagement surface is segmented into leading and trailing edges with different characteristics, enabling complex functionality through modular design that simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
3Reliability
If existing joint restraint mechanisms are used to mechanically engage the pipe, then positive retention is achieved, but deformation, creep, and cracking occur during installation or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface of the gripper is designed with specific geometric parameters - the leading edge has a smaller contact area with optimized curvature to distribute stress during insertion, while the trailing edge has a larger contact area for secure retention. This parameter optimization ensures positive retention is achieved without exceeding the pipe length's stress tolerance, preventing deformation, creep, and cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper's leading edge is designed with a smaller contact area and rounded profile that acts as a cushion during the initial engagement phase. This design feature absorbs and distributes the impact stress before the full retention force is applied, preventing sudden stress spikes that could cause deformation or cracking of the pipe length during installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gland includes an annular ring, the annular ring defining a gland bore, the gland bore defining a gland axis; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly includes a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket; the restraint pocket comprising a restraint pivot disposed within the restraint pocket; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper engaging the restraint pivot, the gripper configured to rotate about the restraint pivot; and a spring clip disposed within the restraint pocket, the spring clip biasing the gripper to rotate inwards towards the gland axis.