Pipe Joint Retainer Geometry for Compact Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joint connectors require a large gap to accommodate deformation of the locking member, leading to increased space around the retainer, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with elastically deformable leg portions and guide surfaces that widen to allow the bulge portion of the pipe to pass through without causing the retainer to protrude outward, reducing the necessary gap around the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking member is designed to rotate outward about the coupling shaft portion end, then the engaging shaft portion can protrude outward to engage with the pipe, but the gap around the pipe joint must be large to accommodate this deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the retainer to rotate outward about the connection portion (conventional approach), the patent inverts the deformation mode: the retainer is designed to elastically deform in an open manner at the intermediate portion, causing the leg portions to move apart rather than rotate outward. This inversion of the deformation mechanism eliminates the need for large gaps while maintaining engagement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from rotational movement to elastic opening deformation. By designing the intermediate portion with elastic deformability and providing guide surfaces that control the deformation direction, the retainer transforms from a rigid rotating structure to a flexible elastic structure that opens outward, reducing the required gap area.
2Strength
If the retainer leg portions are made rigid to maintain structural strength, then the connector can withstand high forces, but the retainer cannot deform to allow pipe insertion and coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into three functional portions: connection portions (rigid) and an intermediate portion (elastic). This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to have different mechanical properties - the connection portions maintain structural strength and rigidity, while the intermediate portion provides elastic deformability to accommodate pipe insertion and coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the intermediate portion elastically deformable while keeping the connection portions and leg portions rigid. This localized elasticity allows the retainer to deform only where needed (at the intermediate portion) to permit pipe passage, while maintaining overall structural strength through the rigid segments.
3Area of stationary object
If guide surfaces are added to control the deformation direction of the retainer, then the deformation can be precisely controlled to reduce gap requirements, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide surfaces act as intermediaries between the external force applied during pipe insertion and the retainer's deformation. These surfaces mediate the force transmission, directing it to produce the desired opening deformation at the intermediate portion while preventing unwanted rotation. The guide surfaces are simple geometric features integrated into the connector body, adding minimal complexity while effectively controlling deformation.
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 connector effectively suppresses the retainer from protruding outward, reducing the gap around it and ensuring secure coupling of the pipe without disengagement, even under applied forces.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate portion that connects a first connection portion in the first leg portion and a second connection portion in the second leg portion and is elastically deformable in an open manner so that a distance between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is widened
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a connector body and a retainer. The connector body includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion. The retainer includes a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and an intermediate portion that is elastically deformable in an open manner so that a distance between the first leg portion and the second leg portion is widened. An end surface of the first opening portion includes a first guide surface that guides the first leg portion in a direction where the distance is widened when a force in an insertion direction is applied to the first leg portion. An end surface of the second opening portion includes a second guide surface that guides the second leg portion in a direction where the distance is widened when a force in an insertion direction is applied to the second leg portion.