Mechanical Pipe Joint Restraint for Pull-Out and Seal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical mechanical joint pipe connections lack a positive retention mechanism, leading to potential seal compromise and risk of the plain end pulling out under high tension forces or water hammer effects, which can result in leaks or environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a gland with an annular ring and a joint restraint assembly that includes grippers and a spring clip, which can be activated to mechanically engage the plain end of the pipe, providing a positive retention mechanism while minimizing 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 plain end of the pipe increases leading to deformation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a joint restraint mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the gland and the pipe. The mechanism includes a restraint arm with a bearing surface that contacts the pipe, transferring retention forces through a controlled interface. This intermediary structure distributes stresses more evenly across the pipe surface, preventing direct concentration of forces that would cause deformation or cracking while still providing positive retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing a joint restraint mechanism with specific geometric parameters. The restraint arm is designed with optimized dimensions and material properties to control the magnitude and distribution of stresses applied to the pipe. By carefully selecting parameters such as arm length, contact surface area, and material strength, the system achieves reliable retention while keeping stresses within safe limits for the pipe material.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing joint restraint mechanisms are used to prevent pipe pull-out, then the connection stability is improved, but the plain end of the pipe undergoes deformation, creep, and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the joint restraint mechanism to interact with specific localized regions of the pipe. The restraint arm contacts the pipe at a defined bearing surface, concentrating the retention function at a specific location rather than distributing it uniformly. This localized interaction allows for controlled stress application that maintains connection stability while minimizing damage to the overall pipe structure by confining forces to a small, well-defined area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a cushioning effect through the bearing surface design of the restraint arm. The bearing surface is designed to distribute loads and absorb shock before they can cause damage to the pipe. This beforehand cushioning protects the pipe from sudden impact forces such as water hammer by providing a compliant interface that dissipates energy, preventing deformation, creep, and cracking that would occur with rigid restraint mechanisms.
3Productivity
If mechanical joint pipe connections are used for quick assembly, then the productivity is improved, but the connection lacks positive retention mechanism making it vulnerable to high tension forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a joint restraint mechanism that is pre-configured within the gland assembly during manufacturing. The restraint arm and bearing surfaces are prepared in advance, so that when the gland is installed on the pipe, the retention mechanism is already in position and requires only simple activation. This preliminary action maintains the quick assembly advantage while adding reliable retention, as the mechanism does not require complex field installation or adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical joint 120 comprising a piping element 110, the piping element comprising an element flange 122, the piping element defining a socket 222 extending inwards from the element flange; and a pipe length 102, the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface 204; and a gland 134, the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly 134, the joint restraint assembly comprising a restraint base 334; and a gripper 232 disposed within a restraint pocket 340 of the restrain base, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket.