Pipe Joint Restraint Gland for Secure Retention Without Pipe Cracking
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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 a joint restraint assembly featuring a restraint base, gripper, and spring clip that engages the pipe surface to prevent removal, providing a secure connection 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 reliability of the connection is improved, but the stress on the pipe length increases leading to deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gripper teeth and engagement surfaces to optimize the distribution of restraining forces. By adjusting the angle and shape of the engagement surfaces, the mechanism achieves reliable retention while reducing stress concentration on the pipe length that would cause deformation or cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper acts as an intermediary element between the gland and the pipe length. It translates the axial compression force from the gland into radial restraining forces on the pipe, providing positive retention without requiring the gland to directly apply high stresses to the pipe end.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing joint restraint mechanisms are used to prevent pipe removal, then the connection stability is improved, but the pipe length undergoes deformation, creep, and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the gripper with specific tooth geometries and engagement surfaces at critical locations. The localized features concentrate the restraining action at specific points on the pipe length, providing stable engagement while minimizing overall deformation of the pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust to the pipe length during engagement. This dynamic adjustment allows the mechanism to achieve stable retention while accommodating minor variations in pipe dimensions and reducing the risk of deformation, creep, and cracking.
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 ensures a secure and reliable pipe connection by preventing removal from the socket while minimizing stress on the pipe, thus preventing leaks and contamination, and allowing for easy installation without specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip disposed within the restraint pocket, the spring clip biasing the gripper to rotate inwards towards the gland axis
Implementation Method 2
The ability to function with the plain end allows for the pipe length to be cut to size in a field installation... typical mechanical joint pipe connections do not provide for a positive retention mechanism other than friction of the gasket acting on the plain end of the length
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coupling a pipe length to a piping element includes sliding a gland over an end of the pipe length, the gland including a joint restraint assembly, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; inserting the end of the pipe length into a socket defined by the piping element; fastening the gland to the piping element; and activating the joint restraint assembly to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket by rotating a gripper in an engagement direction of the joint restraint assembly; and engaging the gripper with the outer pipe surface in an initial engagement position.