Plastic Pipe Mechanical Fitting With Conical Gripper Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting plastic pipes for natural gas transmission face challenges in achieving high integrity seals and axial strength without requiring specialized skills or tools, and often compromise on sealing and axial pull characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical fitting system comprising a spigot device with radially inwardly angled conical bearing surfaces and a sleeve assembly with a compression collar and gripper ring, which contracts radially to form a secure annulus with the pipe, utilizing viscoelastic properties for a strong and leak-resistant connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dynamic seals are used in telescopic pipe connections, then sealing capability is improved, but installation complexity and technical competency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex dynamic seal components from the telescopic joint and replaces them with a simplified sealing mechanism. The seal is integrated into the telescopic tube itself through a groove and lip structure, eliminating the need for separate O-rings or dynamic seal assemblies that require precise installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a telescopic tube with an integrated sealing lip as an intermediary element between the inner and outer tubes. This lip structure provides the sealing function without requiring complex dynamic seal components, simplifying both the design and installation process while maintaining reliable sealing capability.
2Reliability
If fusion methods are used to connect plastic pipes, then gas tight seal integrity is improved, but installation skill requirements and equipment needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal fusion process with a mechanical connection system. The telescopic joint with integrated sealing lip provides a gas-tight seal through mechanical interference and friction, eliminating the need for heat fusion equipment and specialized welding skills while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the fusion process entirely from the connection method, extracting the sealing function and achieving it through mechanical means instead. This eliminates the need for fusion equipment and reduces installation requirements to basic mechanical assembly skills.
3Ease of operation
If seals are exposed directly to telescopic tubes and foreign material, then sealing accessibility is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a telescopic tube with a sealing lip structure that is designed to accommodate and deflect foreign material. The lip geometry and positioning provide a cushioning effect that protects the sealing interface from debris and contamination before they can compromise the seal, while still allowing the seal to function effectively.
4Strength
If complex assembly components are used for high integrity connections, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the telescopic tube itself: the structural component, the sealing element, and the connection mechanism are integrated into a single piece. This eliminates the need for separate seals, gaskets, and fastening components, reducing assembly steps while maintaining high connection strength through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes unnecessary intermediate components from the assembly process, extracting only the essential telescopic tube with integrated sealing features. This simplification reduces the number of parts to be assembled and installed while maintaining the required connection strength through the optimized tube design.
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 solution provides a reliable, high-integrity seal that meets industry standards, is easy to install with modest skill, and maintains connection strength even under varying environmental conditions, such as thermal expansion and ground shifts.
Implementation Method 1
the bearing surface drives the gripper ring device radially inwardly to grip the wall of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
utilizing viscoelastic properties for a strong and leak-resistant connection
Data Source
AI summary
Spigot device including a spigot formed with exterior gripping teeth and sleeve device to telescope over the spigot. The sleeve device is formed with a radially inwardly opening, distally contracting conical bearing surface which mounts a radially inwardly contractible gripper ring device captive therein, and constructed to be driven radially inwardly by the bearing surface as the sleeve is drawn proximally on the spigot to grip a plastic pipe trapped in the annulus between the sleeve and spigot.