Integral Pipe Seal and Restraint System with Low Friction Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe connection systems require external clamping devices for restraint, which are cumbersome, costly, and prone to human error, and lack an integral restraint mechanism within the pipes to manage internal and external forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
An integral seal and restraint system is integrated into the bell end of a female pipe, utilizing an elastomeric sealing ring and a companion restraint mechanism, which are formed during the pipe manufacturing process, eliminating the need for external clamping devices and simplifying installation by providing a secure, reliable, and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external clamping devices are used for restraint, then restraint function is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and restraint function into a single integrated mechanism. The elastomeric gasket is anchored to the internal surface of the bell end, and the same gasket provides both sealing against the spigot end and restraint against axial forces. This eliminates the need for separate external clamping devices and simplifies the overall connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint function is extracted from external clamping devices and transferred to the internal surface of the bell end through the anchored elastomeric gasket. The gasket's attachment to the internal surface creates a restraint mechanism that works independently within the pipe connection, removing the need for external restraint components.
2Reliability
If separate sealing and restraint mechanisms are used, then both functions are achieved, but device complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing against the spigot end to prevent fluid leakage, and it provides restraint against axial forces through its anchorage to the internal surface of the bell end. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining both sealing and restraint reliability.
3Force
If external clamping devices are used, then restraint is achieved, but material costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket serves itself by providing both sealing and restraint functions through its own structure and anchorage. The same material component that seals the joint also provides the restraint force against axial movements, eliminating the need for additional materials such as external clamps, bolts, or other restraint components.
4Force
If external restraint mechanisms are used, then restraint function is achieved, but installation time and labor effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket is pre-anchored to the internal surface of the bell end during pipe manufacturing or pre-installation. This preliminary anchoring ensures that the restraint mechanism is already in place and ready to function immediately when the spigot end is inserted, eliminating the need for time-consuming field installation of separate restraint devices.
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 ensures secure pipe connections with reduced labor and material costs, minimizing the risk of human error and external corrosion, while maintaining the integrity of the joint under varying pressures and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least a selected one of the interior circumferential region of the housing and the exterior of the gripping ring have applied thereto a low friction coating
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for restraining plastic pipe against both internal and external forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining and sealing mechanism. The restraining and sealing mechanism includes a circumferential housing and a companion sealing ring which are received within a mating groove provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The circumferential housing has an interior region which contains a gripping ring insert. The sealing ring and housing are integrally located within a belled pipe end during belling operations. Either the exterior of the gripping ring or the interior of the housing or both are provided with a low friction coating.