Pipe Joint Ring Body for Faster Centered Pipe Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe joining methods require significant time and effort due to the need for a spigot insertion jig to center and connect pipes, which is then removed, increasing the complexity and duration of the process.

Innovation Solution

A pipe joint design where a ring body is inserted between the socket and spigot to center the pipes, remaining in place after connection to reduce deviation and prevent separation, eliminating the need for the jig's removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a spigot insertion jig is used to center and connect pipes, then centering precision is improved, but the joining time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidjoining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the centering function from a separate insertion jig and integrates it into a ring body that remains as part of the final joint assembly. The ring body's main body portion provides centering during insertion, then remains in place as a permanent component, eliminating the need for jig removal and reducing overall joining time while maintaining centering precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the temporary centering jig function with the permanent joint components by making the ring body serve both as a centering tool during insertion and as a permanent part of the joint assembly. This combination eliminates the separate jig removal step and reduces process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If a spigot insertion jig is used for centering, then centering precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the centering function from a complex multi-step jigging process and consolidates it into a single ring body component that provides centering inherently through its geometric shape, simplifying the overall device and process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring body serves multiple functions: it provides centering during insertion, acts as a separator between locking and sealing components, and remains as a permanent joint component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized tools and simplifies the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the ring body remains in place after connection, then the joining process is simplified, but the ring body must withstand separation forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining process simplicityVSAvoidseparation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The ring body is pre-positioned on the spigot before insertion, with its locking ring engagement portion designed to engage with the locking ring that will be installed subsequently. This preliminary positioning ensures the ring body is ready to resist separation forces as soon as the locking ring is in place, simplifying the joining process while ensuring strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design significantly reduces the time and effort required for pipe joining by allowing the ring body to remain between the socket and spigot, enhancing centering and preventing separation, thus streamlining the process.

Implementation Method 1

the main body part of the ring body moves the spigot in the pipe radial direction with respect to the socket so that deviation in the pipe radial direction between a pipe axis of the first pipe and a pipe axis of the second pipe is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

it is possible to prevent the spigot from separating from the socket by the spigot protrusion engaging with the lock ring from the back side of the socket in the separation direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

A packing which is to be compressed in the pipe radial direction and thereby seals between the inner peripheral surface of the socket and the outer peripheral surface of the spigot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression Sealing: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4043772B1Pipe joint, method for joining pipes, and use of a ring body in a pipe joint
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4043772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4043772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4043772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ring body 31, provided in a pipe fitting 1 in which an insertion port projecting portion 15 engages with a locking ring 8 from the rear side of a reception port 3, in a direction A separating from an insertion port 5, thereby making it possible to prevent the insertion port 5 separating from the reception port 3, includes a main body portion 32 provided in the pipe fitting 1 by being inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the reception port 3 and the outer circumferential surface of the insertion port 5, and a displacement stopping member 33 which prevents the main body portion 32 being displaced toward the open end side of the reception port 3, wherein the main body portion 32 reduces displacement, in the pipe radial direction, between the pipe axis of a first pipe 4 and the pipe axis of a second pipe 2 by moving the insertion port 5 in the pipe radial direction relative to the reception port 3.