Locking Pipe Joint Indicator for Zero-Resistance Leak-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping systems face challenges in providing zero resistance during the insertion or removal of piping elements, often requiring clamps, solder, or special machining, and struggle to create a leak-free seal without damaging fittings or pipes.
Innovation Solution
A locking pipe joint device featuring a center body connector, sealing elements, a shoe gland, and a retaining cap with internal through-holes and channels, allowing for zero resistance insertion and removal while creating a tight, leak-free seal without clamps, solder, or special machining, and accommodating both like and unlike piping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional push-fit technology with fastening rings is used, then connection speed is improved, but resistance to pipe insertion occurs and potential damage to pipe or fitting may result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional fastening ring with teeth that causes resistance and potential damage. Instead, it uses a collet mechanism that grips the pipe after insertion without providing resistance during insertion, thus extracting the harmful gripping function from the insertion process while retaining it for securing the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet is pre-positioned within the fitting body in a relaxed state that allows free pipe insertion. The gripping action is activated only after insertion is complete, typically through rotation or axial movement, ensuring zero resistance during the insertion phase while providing secure retention afterward.
2Reliability
If clamps, solder, or special machining are used to create secure connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collet mechanism is self-actuating through simple rotation or axial movement of the fitting body, automatically transitioning from a relaxed insertion state to a gripping retention state. This eliminates the need for external clamps, soldering equipment, or special machining tools, providing secure connections through self-contained mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems like clamps, soldering apparatus, or threading machines with a simple rotational or axial movement mechanism that activates the collet. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
3Strength
If fastening rings with teeth are used to prevent disconnection, then retention strength is improved, but risk of damaging pipe or fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the teeth from the fastening mechanism, replacing them with a smooth collet that grips the pipe through friction and mechanical interlocking rather than mechanical biting. This eliminates the harmful concentrated stresses that cause pipe or fitting damage while maintaining sufficient retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet changes its gripping parameters from a static toothed engagement to a dynamic friction-based grip that can adapt to different pipe surfaces. This allows strong retention through distributed contact pressure rather than localized tooth engagement, reducing damage risk while maintaining retention strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking pipe joint assembly, device and method can employ a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, a shoe gland, an indicator ring and a retaining cap. In embodiments, a bolt element and a nut element are provided for securing the retaining cap to the center body connector and compressing a packing assembly therein.