Push-Fit Pipe Fitting Removal Using Locking Pliers and Release Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting removal tools lack a mechanism to effectively disengage push fit style pipe fittings from pipes, as they do not incorporate a combination of locking pliers and engagement members to release the fitting from the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting removal tool comprising a body with a channel and retainer, featuring a retaining ring with radially biased teeth and a release collar, coupled with locking pliers and engagement members to position the teeth in a release position, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement of the pipe fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking pliers are used alone for pipe fitting removal, then the tool structure is simple, but the ability to disengage push fit style pipe fittings is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines locking pliers with specialized engagement members (first engagement member engaging the body, second engagement member engaging the release collar) into a single integrated tool. This merging provides the disengagement capability of specialized tools while maintaining the gripping strength and structural simplicity of locking pliers, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a specialized disengagement tool is designed, then the disengagement capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed to automatically engage with the pipe fitting features (body and release collar) when the locking pliers are positioned on the fitting. The tool leverages the existing push-fit mechanism, allowing the user to simply grip and pull without complex manual manipulation, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable disengagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engagement members are added to locking pliers, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members are designed with features that engage universal elements of push-fit pipe fittings (the body and release collar mechanism). This allows the modified locking pliers to work with various push-fit fitting types while adding only minimal specialized components, achieving versatility without excessive complexity.
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 efficient removal of pipe fittings by securely engaging and disengaging the fitting from the pipe, preventing interference and ensuring smooth disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
Each tooth of the retaining ring is biased toward a retaining position wherein each tooth extends radially inwardly with respect to the channel
Implementation Method 2
The release collar is movable axially inwardly of the channel to move each tooth of the retaining ring radially outwardly with respect to the channel to a release position
Implementation Method 3
The second jaw is pivotally movable toward and away from the first jaw. As such, the second jaw is movable from an open position toward the first jaw to a locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe disassembly system for removing a pipe fitting from a pipe includes a fitting removal tool comprising a locking pliers with engagement members attached to the jaws of the locking pliers for engaging the pipe fitting. One of the engagement members engages a body of the pipe fitting, and another of the engagement members engages a release collar of the pipe fitting to move the release collar to disengage from the pipe.