Pipe Socket Tapping Threads for In Situ Sealed Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional piping joinery methods, such as threading and thermal bonding, are costly, time-consuming, and pose safety risks, particularly due to the need for specialized equipment and controlled heat applications.

Innovation Solution

A pipe socket configuration with a socket body featuring a threaded portion, cavity, stop, and O-rings, along with a plurality of interrupted series of tapping threads on its internal surface, allowing for in situ formation of threaded connections using a traditional torqueing tool, eliminating the need for off-site preparation and open flame joinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional threading methods are used, then secure pipe connections are achieved, but installation cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The threading process is segmented into multiple interrupted series of tapping threads rather than a continuous thread. This allows the socket to engage the pipe through multiple discrete engagement points, maintaining connection security while reducing the total engagement time and rotational force required during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket uses a plurality of interrupted series of tapping threads that engage only portions of the pipe circumference at any given time. This partial engagement approach reduces the total material removal and rotational force needed compared to full continuous threading, while still achieving secure connection through cumulative engagement of multiple thread series

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If conventional threading methods are used, then secure pipe connections are achieved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket body itself performs the threading function through its integrated tapping threads, eliminating the need for separate specialized threading equipment. The socket threads the pipe directly during installation, reducing equipment costs and simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If thermal bonding is used, then excellent joint durability is achieved, but safety risks and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint durabilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces thermal bonding processes with a mechanical threading system. The socket uses tapping threads to mechanically engage and secure the pipe through thread formation, eliminating the need for open flame torches, induction equipment, or other heat sources required for thermal bonding, thereby removing fire hazards and thermal safety risks while maintaining joint durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The socket body is designed as a single-use component that performs threading, sealing, and connection functions in one installation event. The O-rings provide sealing that replaces the need for thermal bonding processes, achieving durable connections without the safety risks of fire and thermal exposure associated with conventional thermal bonding methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10955074B2Threaded pipe connections and sockets for making the same in situ

Publication Date: 2021.03.23 NIBCO INC

AI summary

A pipe socket for making a threaded pipe connection that includes: a socket body defining a threaded portion, a cavity and a stop; an O-ring positioned within the cavity; and a plurality of interrupted series of tapping threads defined on an internal surface of the socket body in the threaded portion. The cavity is configured to receive a pipe and the stop is configured to stop a pipe received within the cavity. Each of the interrupted series of tapping threads is circumferentially equidistant from the adjacent interrupted series of tapping threads. Further, each of the interrupted series of tapping threads comprises threads arranged axially on the internal surface of the socket body for forming threads on a pipe received within the cavity.