Restrained Pipe Joint With Integral Bell And Seal Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe joint technologies lack effective mechanisms for securely connecting pipes of varying diameters and materials, particularly in applications requiring robust sealing and restraint to prevent leaks and mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

A restrained pipe joint system featuring a male end with a complementary integral bell female end, incorporating a seal recess and interior features that engage and restrain the axial end face of another pipe, along with a cooperative spline mechanism for enhanced interlocking, allowing for secure connection and sealing across a range of diameters from 6 inches to 72 inches using materials like PVC, composite materials, and polyethylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pipe joint mechanisms are used, then installation is simple, but sealing reliability and mechanical restraint are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidjoint structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe end is segmented into distinct functional zones: a bell portion for receiving the other pipe, a seal recess for positioning the sealing element, and an interior feature for mechanical restraint. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function effectively, improving sealing reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing element acts as an intermediary between the two pipe ends, providing the actual seal. The interior feature serves as an intermediary mechanism that mechanically restrains the axial end face, preventing movement and ensuring joint integrity without requiring complex fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simple pipe connection methods are used, then installation is easy, but the connection cannot securely restrain pipes of varying diameters and materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying diameters and materialsVSAvoidmechanical restraint strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The joint design incorporates multiple functional elements within a single integrated structure: the bell portion accommodates pipes of varying outer diameters, the seal recess provides sealing functionality, and the interior feature delivers mechanical restraint. This multi-functionality allows the same joint design to adapt to different pipe diameters and materials while maintaining strong mechanical restraint through the complementary shape engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10443766B2System, method and apparatus for restrained pipe joint

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 NORTH AMERICAN SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A pipe may include a pipe body having an axis, an axial bore and a pipe body outer diameter. A male end may be formed on the pipe body. The male end can have an outer diameter consistent with the pipe body outer diameter, and an axial end face. A female end may be formed as an integral bell on the pipe body opposite the male end. The female end may have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the male end, a seal recess on an interior thereof, and an interior feature in the interior of the female end that is complementary to the axial end face of the male end. The female end of a first pipe may be configured to receive the male end of a second pipe, such that the interior feature of the first pipe engages and restrains the axial end face of the second pipe. A coupling may be used to join two of the pipes.