Pipe Socket Clamp for Uniform Adhesive Injection Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping systems face challenges in creating reliable, skill-independent connections between pipes and fittings, particularly in harsh environments, due to the need for skilled labor and secondary seals to prevent adhesive leakage during bonding agent injection.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting design featuring a tubular member with a socket, centering device, and removable clamp that secures the pipe section, allowing for uniform adhesive injection and elimination of secondary seals, with features like grab rings and arcuate segments for coaxial alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If injection application methods are used to apply bonding agent, then bonding strength in harsh environments is improved, but device complexity increases due to cumbersome clamps and sealing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the secondary seal component from the system by designing the clamp itself to provide the sealing function. The clamp's gripping action on the pipe creates a seal without requiring an additional sealing element, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining bonding reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the clamping function and sealing function into a single component. The clamp not only holds the pipe section in position but also provides the seal to prevent bonding agent leakage through its gripping contact with the pipe, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices.
2Ease of operation
If brush application method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to avoid excess adhesive deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the brush application method with an injection method that delivers bonding agent directly into the socket. This mechanical substitution allows for controlled delivery of the adhesive without the precision requirements of brush application, as the injection system controls the amount and placement of bonding agent automatically.
3Reliability
If secondary seals are added to prevent bonding agent leakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the secondary seal component by making the clamp itself provide the sealing function through its gripping action on the pipe. This extraction of the unnecessary secondary seal simplifies the device while maintaining reliable bonding agent containment during injection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe fitting includes a socket that receives an end of a pipe section therein such that a gap exists between an outer surface of the pipe section and an inner surface of the socket. A pair of ports extend through the socket and are in fluid communication with the gap. A clamp secures the pipe section within the socket as a bonding agent is extruded into the gap via a port. The clamp includes a pair of arcuate segments, each having an inner circumferential wall, first and second end portions, and an elongated sealing member. Each arcuate segment includes a plurality of spring-loaded devices, each having a distal end portion extending through the inner circumferential wall that is urged into contact with the pipe section outer surface.