Pipe Joint Restraint Assembly With Pivoting Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical joint pipe connections lack a positive retention mechanism, leading to potential seal failure and pipe deformation under high tension forces, such as water hammer, due to the reliance on friction alone for sealing and retention.
Innovation Solution
A joint restraint assembly comprising a gland with an annular ring, a restraint base, a gripper that rotates to engage the pipe surface, and a spring biasing mechanism to secure the pipe in place, preventing removal from the socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a joint restraint mechanism is incorporated to provide positive retention, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and high stresses are exerted on the pipe length
Solution Approach 1:
The joint restraint mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a gripper assembly with individual gripping elements, a actuation mechanism, and a mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary gripping interface between the restraint mechanism and the pipe length. The gripper elements act as intermediaries that distribute contact forces across multiple points on the pipe surface, reducing stress concentration while providing secure retention.
2Reliability
If existing joint restraint mechanisms are used to prevent pipe removal, then reliability is improved, but the pipe length is subjected to high stresses leading to deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed with localized contact surfaces that match the pipe geometry. The contact pressure is concentrated at specific optimized points rather than distributed uniformly, reducing overall stress while maintaining secure grip. The gripping force is applied locally at the interface between the gripper and pipe surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint restraint mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the gripper to adapt its position and force application based on pipe dimensions and installation conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal stress distribution and prevents excessive localized stresses that could cause deformation or cracking.
3Reliability
If a positive retention mechanism is added to mechanical joint connections, then reliability under high tension is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to more complex assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper elements are pre-positioned and pre-configured within the restraint assembly during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that during field installation, the mechanism is already prepared to engage the pipe correctly, reducing the skill level and time required for assembly while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint restraint mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-adjusting features that automatically adapt to the pipe dimensions and orientation during installation. The mechanism performs part of the alignment and positioning functions automatically, reducing the operational complexity and making the assembly process more intuitive and easier to execute correctly.
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 provides a secure and reliable retention mechanism that prevents pipe removal and maintains the seal under various conditions, reducing the risk of deformation and failure, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment to accommodate different pipe sizes and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the gripper to rotate inwards towards the gland axis
Data Source
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.