Polymer-Lined Pipe Sleeve Retainer for Stable Sealed Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems with polymer-lined pipes face challenges in retaining the polymer lining due to expansion and contraction under varying temperatures and humidity, and maintaining a smooth terminal-end surface for a tight seal, especially during transportation and connection.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve retainer is inserted into the polymer-lined pipe to retain the polymer sleeve, protect it, and form a seal with another polymer-lined pipe, featuring a tubular body with protuberances such as barbs or O-rings that frictionally engage the interior surface and a flange to nest with the pipe flange, ensuring a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymer liner is installed in pipe, then corrosion resistance is improved, but retention stability deteriorates due to expansion and contraction under varying temperatures and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve retainer is inserted inside the polymer-lined pipe, creating a nested structure where the retainer is positioned within the pipe interior. This nested configuration allows the retainer to physically constrain the polymer liner against expansion and contraction forces while maintaining the liner's corrosion-resistant function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve retainer changes the physical parameters of the polymer liner by providing mechanical constraints that limit its expansion and contraction movements. The retainer's rigid structure counteracts the liner's natural tendency to change dimensions under varying temperature and humidity conditions, stabilizing its position and dimensions.
2Reliability
If polymer liner is retained in place, then corrosion protection is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve retainer acts as an intermediary component between the polymer liner and the pipe structure. Rather than directly modifying the polymer liner or creating complex bonding mechanisms, the retainer provides a simple mechanical interface that constrains the liner, thus maintaining corrosion protection while adding minimal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve retainer utilizes a thin-walled tubular structure that provides effective constraint of the polymer liner without requiring substantial material or complex construction. This thin-film approach maintains simplicity while achieving the retention function necessary for corrosion protection.
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 sleeve retainer effectively retains the polymer sleeve, protects it from damage, and maintains a tight seal between connected pipes, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the irrigation system.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular body includes one or more protuberances configured to frictionally engage an interior surface of the polymer sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer-lined fluid transmission line includes various structures, including a first polymer-lined pipe, a second polymer-lined pipe, and one or more sleeve retainers installed at a pipe junction between the polymer-lined pipes. Among other things, the sleeve retainers may include one or more protuberances to frictionally engage the polymer-lined pipes or a one or more portions that protrude into a space between the polymer-lined pipes to help retain and protect polymer sleeves.