Sealing Ring for Leak-Proof Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solvent welding methods for thermoplastic pipes and fittings often result in leaks due to incomplete coverage of the solvent film, leading to property damage and cleanup costs.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring is placed around the exterior cylindrical surface of a pipe and secured to both the pipe and fitting, either during the solvent welding process or after a leak is detected, to form a secondary seal that prevents leaks by creating a further solvent-welded joint in series with the primary joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solvent welding is used to join thermoplastic pipes and fittings, then the joint can be formed quickly and simply, but leaks may occur due to incomplete solvent film coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is installed on the pipe before the solvent welding process occurs. This preliminary placement ensures that even if the solvent film does not completely cover the joint surfaces, the pre-positioned sealing ring will block any potential leak paths, thereby preventing leaks without complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring acts as a backup protective measure installed beforehand to compensate for potential failures in the primary solvent welding process. By having this secondary sealing mechanism in place before welding, the system is cushioned against the harmful effect of leaks that might occur due to incomplete solvent coverage
2Reliability
If a sealing ring is added to create a secondary seal, then leak prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is constructed as a flexible annular element that can be easily installed around the pipe. This flexible shell design provides effective leak prevention without requiring complex rigid structures, multiple components, or complicated assembly procedures, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into two independent functional parts: the primary solvent-welded joint and the secondary sealing ring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the sealing ring providing backup protection without interfering with or complicating the primary welding process
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 secondary seal effectively inhibits leaks through the primary joint, minimizing property damage and cleanup costs by ensuring a leak-proof connection between pipes and fittings.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoplastic polymer fitting, such as PVC, is coated with a thin layer of solvent that for a short time dissolves the surfaces of the polymer fitting creating a viscous liquid film on the surface of the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing ring and a method of preventing or stopping a joint leak between a pipe and a pipe fitting to minimize property damage as well as clean up costs occurring from property damage due to joint leaks by securing a sealing ring to the pipe and the pipe fitting to form a secondary joint that inhibits or prevent leakage between the primary joint between the pipe and the pipe fitting.