Pipe Joint Retainer Groove for Push-to-Lock Reversible Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues such as lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and the lack of 'push to lock' type joints that automatically expand and snap into place, necessitating quicker installation without reversibility while maintaining robustness.
Innovation Solution
A pipe system featuring a tubular body with a retainer groove and a retainer that is axially and radially movable, allowing for self-assembly and locking of pipes without manual intervention, using a configuration that automatically engages and disengages to form a secure pipe assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the pipe joints can be assembled and disassembled, but the splines can be lost during transportation or disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrated with the tubular body to form a unified structure, eliminating the risk of separate splines being lost during transportation or disassembly. The retainer groove is formed directly in the tubular body, creating a permanent attachment mechanism that cannot be separated or lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is nested within the tubular body structure, with the retainer groove formed in the bore of the tubular body. This nested configuration ensures the retainer remains securely positioned within the tubular body while still performing its retention function.
2Productivity
If traditional pipe joint systems are used, then reversibility (disassembly capability) is provided, but installation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer groove is pre-formed in the tubular body during manufacturing, and the retainer is pre-positioned within the groove. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations during installation, allowing for quick insertion and locking of the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer automatically engages with the pipe and locks into position through its own elastic deformation and geometric configuration, without requiring external tools or complex manual operations. The system performs the assembly function itself through the interaction of the retainer, groove, and pipe.
3Extent of automation
If a retainer that is both axially and radially movable is used, then quick self-assembly is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically change its configuration during assembly. The retainer can elastically deform radially to accommodate pipe insertion, then spring back to lock into position, providing automatic assembly through dynamic mechanical behavior rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer utilizes changes in its physical state (elastic deformation) to achieve movement and locking. By changing its radial dimension through elastic deformation, the retainer can move between engaged and disengaged positions without requiring complex mechanical actuators or multiple components.
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
Enables quick, secure, and reversible pipe assembly with reduced risk of spline loss, providing a robust and efficient installation process that maintains pipe integrity during transportation and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
An entirety of the retainer can be configured to be both axially movable and radially movable relative to the retainer groove during formation of a pipe assembly with a pipe in the bore
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A pipe system includes a tubular body (21) with an axis (23), a bore (25) that is axial and a retainer groove (27) formed in the bore of the tubular body. A retainer (31) is mounted in the retainer groove. An entirety of the retainer is both axially movable and radially movable relative to the retainer groove during formation of a pipe assembly with a pipe (41) in the bore.