Pipe Joint Lock Ring Geometry to Prevent Spigot Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints are prone to separation under large forces, such as those caused by earthquakes, due to the engagement of the lock ring with the spigot protrusion, which requires increased spigot thickness and can be compromised by incorrect orientation of the lock ring, leading to time-consuming rejoining operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design where the spigot protrusion engages with the lock ring from the deeper portion of the socket, with the lock ring having specific surfaces for preventing separation, and a spacing keeping tool system to ensure correct orientation, reducing the radial component of the applied force and allowing detection of incorrect orientation before assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock ring is pressed to the outer circumference of the spigot by increasing the moment M under large forces, then the separation prevention function is improved, but the spigot thickness needs to be increased to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the lock ring, specifically making the thickness t2 of the portion pressing against the spigot larger than the thickness t1 of the portion in the storage groove (t2 > t1). This parameter change allows the lock ring to withstand large forces and prevent separation without requiring increased spigot thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and strength requirements.
2Reliability
If the lock ring is made with asymmetric thickness distribution (t2 > t1), then the separation prevention function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific thickness relationships (t2 > t1) that can be directly implemented in the manufacturing process. The asymmetric thickness distribution is designed to match the functional requirements of different portions of the lock ring, allowing for straightforward manufacturing while achieving improved separation prevention without excessive complexity.
3Device complexity
If the lock ring orientation is not clearly indicated, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the operation time increases due to rejoining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the lock ring design, where the thickness t2 of the portion pressing against the spigot is made larger than the thickness t1 of the portion in the storage groove. This asymmetric structure creates a naturally identifiable correct orientation, allowing operators to quickly determine the proper installation direction without adding complex orientation indicators, thus reducing rejoining operation time while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a pipe joint, a spigot of a first pipe is inserted into a socket of a second pipe, a lock-ring storage groove is formed in the socket, a lock ring is stored in the lock-ring storage groove, a spigot protrusion is formed on an outer circumference of the spigot, and the spigot protrusion is engaged with the lock ring from a deeper portion of the socket in a separation direction of the spigot so as to prevent the spigot from separating from the socket. The lock ring has a first surface for preventing separation facing an opening end of the socket and a second surface for preventing separation facing the deeper portion of the socket.