Pipe Union Locknut and Torque Ring for Hammer-Free Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplings require high torque for assembly and disassembly, often necessitating the use of a hammer, which is unsafe and lacks clear torque indication, and are also time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe union design utilizing a locknut with circumferential torque openings and a torque ring with slots, providing mechanical advantage for tightening without hammer impact, and optionally incorporating a ratcheting mechanism for preliminary torque application and a self-energizing seal for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional hammer unions are used with threaded lugs, then the connection can be tightened, but very high torque requirements necessitate the use of a heavy hammer which is unsafe and provides little ability to determine when required torque has been reached
Solution Approach 1:
The locknut is segmented with circumferential openings that allow insertion of a bar or tool. This segmentation enables application of leverage force through the openings, distributing the torque application and allowing controlled tightening without requiring a hammer while providing clear indication when the bar can be inserted and rotated.
Solution Approach 2:
A bar or tool acts as an intermediary element inserted through the circumferential openings of the locknut. This intermediary provides mechanical leverage and serves as a mediator between the operator and the locknut, enabling precise torque application and clear feedback when the required torque is achieved, eliminating the need for a hammer.
2Strength
If hub clamp unions with four bolts are used, then high bending capacity and smaller envelope are achieved, but high cost and use of four bolts requiring high torque makes assembly and disassembly time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complexity of multiple bolts from the system by using a single locknut with circumferential openings instead of four bolts. This simplification maintains the necessary strength through the locking mechanism while dramatically reducing assembly time and the number of components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The locknut with circumferential openings serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism, enables torque application through the openings, and allows for quick assembly and disassembly. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate bolts and washers, reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If conventional unions are used, then pipe connections can be made, but the practice of using a hammer to impact lugs is unsafe and there is little ability to determine that the required torque has been reached
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential openings in the locknut provide immediate visual and tactile feedback when a bar or tool is inserted and rotated. This feedback mechanism clearly indicates when the required torque position is reached, ensuring reliable connection security while eliminating the safety hazards of hammer usage by providing controlled, measurable torque application.
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 safe, efficient, and tool-minimal assembly and disassembly of pipe unions with clear torque indication, reducing assembly time and cost while ensuring a secure seal.
Implementation Method 1
uses mechanical advantage from leverage between a locknut with circumferential torque openings coupled to a tubular first portion and a torque ring with torque slots coupled to a tubular second portion to tighten the union
Implementation Method 2
provide for a ratcheting mechanism to turn the locknut on the tubular first portion to engage the tubular second portion and exert a preliminary torque on the union
Implementation Method 3
provide for a self-energizing elastomeric seal or metal seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pipe union that uses mechanical advantage from leverage between a locknut with circumferential torque openings coupled to a tubular first portion and a torque ring with torque slots coupled to a tubular second portion to tighten the union. The tightening can occur without the need of a hammer impact on lugs. Initial tightening can at least partially align longitudinally the radial holes with the radial slots. Final tightening can occur by rotating the torque openings relative to the torque slots using mechanical advantage. Optionally, the pipe union can provide for a ratcheting mechanism to turn the locknut on the tubular first portion to engage the tubular second portion and exert a preliminary torque on the union. The pipe union design also provides a self-energizing elastomeric seal or metal seal. Angles on load shoulders can assist in creating preloads on the union to seal the components.