Spring-Biased Pipe Joint Restraint for Seal-Safe Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical joint pipe connections lack a positive retention mechanism, leading to potential seal compromise and pipe failure under high tension forces or events like water hammer, due to the absence of a secure engagement mechanism that can cause deformation, creep, and cracking of the pipe end.
Innovation Solution
A joint restraint assembly with a gripper mechanism that includes a restraint base, a spring-biased gripper, and a cover, which is configurable to engage the outer pipe surface, preventing removal of the pipe length from the socket, thereby providing a secure and adjustable retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a joint restraint mechanism is incorporated to provide positive retention, then reliability is improved, but the plain end of the pipe length is subjected to high stresses which can lead to deformation, creep, and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
A gripper mechanism acts as an intermediary between the joint restraint assembly and the pipe end. The gripper engages the outer surface of the pipe end with distributed contact pressure, transferring retention forces without concentrating stress at critical points, thereby preventing deformation and cracking while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism dynamically adjusts the engagement parameters of the gripper with the pipe end. By varying the spring force, the system optimizes the contact pressure to provide sufficient retention capability while remaining below the threshold that would cause deformation, creep, or cracking of the pipe end material
2Reliability
If existing joint restraint mechanisms are used to prevent pipe removal, then retention is improved, but deformation, creep, and cracking occur during installation or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism serves as a stress-distributing intermediary that contacts the pipe end over a larger surface area. This distributed contact prevents stress concentration that would otherwise lead to structural instability, deformation, or cracking of the pipe end during installation and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a controlled, non-excessive engagement force on the pipe end. This pre-compression ensures the gripper is ready to prevent pipe removal while cushioning against force spikes that could cause deformation or structural failure
3Reliability
If a positive retention mechanism is added to mechanical joint connections, then reliability under high tension is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is nested within the gland structure, and the spring mechanism is nested within the gripper assembly. This nested configuration integrates the retention function into the existing joint components without requiring separate external mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If a gripper mechanism with spring bias is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically adjusting the gripper engagement force based on the pipe end dimensions and installation conditions. The spring bias ensures the gripper maintains optimal contact pressure without requiring manual adjustment or specialized tools, improving ease of operation while the integrated design keeps complexity manageable
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 enhances the mechanical joint's retention capability, preventing pipe removal and maintaining the seal under various conditions, reducing the risk of deformation and failure, and allowing for easy installation without requiring specialized tools or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing the gripper to move 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 extending through the annular ring; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly including a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket, the restraint base including a structural rail; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket and configured to move in the restraint pocket; a spring biasing the gripper to move inwards towards the gland axis; and a cover contacting at least a portion of the restraint base.