Ramped Pipe Retainer Joint for Quick Spline Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems face issues with lost splines during transportation or disassembly, and there is a need for a quicker installation method that does not require reversibility while maintaining robustness.

Innovation Solution

A ramped spline system where the spline is mounted in a groove and configured to be both axially and radially movable, with a tail that expands and collapses to secure the pipe assembly, allowing for easy assembly and tension adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional spline-type restrained pipe joint systems are used, then the pipe joint provides robust connection, but the spline can be lost during transportation or disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidspline loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The spline is integrated directly into the pipe body as a molded feature rather than being a separate component. This merging eliminates the risk of spline loss during transportation or disassembly while maintaining the robust connection capability of the restrained joint system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spline is designed with a segmented tail section that can radially expand and collapse. This segmentation allows the spline to be retained on the pipe during transportation while still enabling proper engagement with the tubular body during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a quick installation method is implemented, then installation efficiency improves, but the ability to disassemble the joint (reversibility) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidjoint reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The spline tail is designed to dynamically change its radial configuration - collapsing during insertion to pass through the tubular body opening, then expanding radially to engage with the spline groove and lock the joint. This dynamic behavior enables quick installation without requiring reversibility mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the spline is configured to be axially and radially movable, then assembly ease improves, but the spline groove design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidspline groove design

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spline groove incorporates a radial dimension for movement in addition to the axial dimension. This allows the spline to move both axially along the pipe and radially to engage/disengage from the tubular body, simplifying assembly while the groove geometry manages the added complexity through its specific configuration with major and minor radial surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11441714B2System, method and apparatus for ramped retainer for a pipe

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 NORTH AMERICAN PIPE CORP

AI summary

A pipe system has a pipe with an axis and a retainer groove formed in an exterior of the pipe near an axial end of the pipe. The pipe system also has a tubular body with an interior and one end sized to receive the axial end of the pipe therein to form a pipe assembly. The pipe system also has a retainer configured to be received in the retainer groove and to be both axially movable and radially movable relative to the retainer groove during formation of the pipe assembly and to retain the pipe and the tubular body in the pipe assembly.