Pipe Restraint Grip Ring Geometry for Uniform Gasket Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe restraint systems fail to provide uniform and efficient engagement of components with pipe surfaces, leading to suboptimal sealing and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe restraint system comprising an annular gasket and a grip ring with a unique cross-sectional profile and a spacer, where the grip ring's cross-sectional area increases from local minima to maxima, enhancing uniform deformation and compression of the gasket before pipe-gripping teeth engage, and an annular gland with a specific inner surface configuration for improved alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional grip ring with uniform cross-section is used, then the structure is simple, but the deformation is non-uniform and sealing engagement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring employs variable cross-sectional area along its circumference, with different section sizes at different locations. This local variation in geometry creates differential deformation characteristics that promote uniform compression of the annular gasket, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and deformation uniformity.
2Strength
If the grip ring is deformed to engage pipe-gripping teeth, then the mechanical engagement is strong, but the gasket compression becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The variable cross-sectional area of the grip ring is designed to pre-determine the deformation pattern during assembly. As the grip ring is deformed onto the pipe, the varying section areas automatically distribute the compression force uniformly across the annular gasket before the pipe-gripping teeth engage, ensuring both strong engagement and uniform sealing.
3Reliability
If the grip ring deforms uniformly, then the structure is symmetric, but the gasket engagement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring features non-uniform cross-sectional area distribution around its circumference, with larger sections at certain locations and smaller sections at others. This intentional asymmetry in local geometry creates controlled differential deformation that enhances gasket compression and engagement reliability, overcoming the limitations of symmetric uniform 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 system achieves enhanced engagement and sealing of the annular gasket with the pipe surface, improving the stability and security of the pipe restraint by ensuring uniform compression and alignment, allowing for easy disengagement without damaging the pipes.
Implementation Method 1
The increasing of the cross-sectional area of the grip ring may increase uniformity of deformations in the grip ring when the grip ring is deformed such that the first end of the grip ring moves toward the second end of the grip ring
Implementation Method 2
a radially-innermost surface having circumferential pipe-gripping teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an annular gasket, a grip ring assembly including a plurality of distinct grip ring segments separated from one another by slots that interrupt an otherwise annular shape of the grip ring assembly, a spacer that fills the slots, couples the grip ring segments to one another, and maintains alignment of the grip ring segments, a radially-innermost surface having circumferential pipe-gripping teeth, and a radially-outermost surface, wherein the spacer has an elastic modulus configured to improve engagement of the annular gasket with a radially-outward facing surface of a pipe prior to the pipe-gripping teeth biting into the radially-outward facing surface of the pipe when the grip ring assembly is deformed such that sizes of the slots decrease, and an annular gland including an inner surface that faces toward the radially-outermost surface of the grip ring assembly.