Segmented Frusto-Conical Gripping Ring for Pipe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings face issues with slippage under high axial loads, particularly with hard materials like 316Ti stainless steel and non-circular pipes, due to the inability of the frusto-conical gripping ring to uniformly engage the pipe surface and conform to variations in shape and load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A frusto-conical gripping ring formed of two arcuate segments, with one segment subtending more than 180° and the other less than 180°, overlapping to form a complete ring, provides a better grip by allowing the ring to shrink uniformly and maintain engagement with the pipe surface, even under high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single frusto-conical gripping ring is used, then the structure is simple, but the grip on hard or misshapen pipes is insufficient under high axial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring is divided into two arcuate segments that overlap to form a complete ring. This segmentation allows each segment to independently conform to the pipe surface, ensuring uniform engagement even on misshapen or hard pipes under high axial loads up to 64 bar.
2Strength
If the gripping ring is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to conform to pipe variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the gripping ring into two arcuate segments, the structure gains the ability to adapt to pipe shape variations while maintaining overall strength. The segments can flex independently to conform to the pipe surface, then lock together to provide a strong, uniform grip under high axial loads.
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 improved anchoring arrangement effectively prevents axial slippage at pressures up to 64 bar, ensuring a secure seal and grip on pipes with hard or misshapen materials.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping teeth penetrate the sealing gasket at the bottom of the slot and engage the outer surface of the pipe to hold the pipe ends against axial displacement
Implementation Method 2
A frusto-conical gripping ring with inwardly projecting gripping teeth is located in each slot
Implementation Method 3
tensioning means for reducing the width of the longitudinal gap so as to tighten the casing around the gasket
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe coupling with an anchoring arrangement for locking the pipes together axially is described. The anchoring arrangement comprises a tubular casing (10), a frusto-conical gripping ring (40) with inwardly projecting gripping teeth 42 and tensioning bolts (17) for tightening the casing (10) about the frusto-conical gripping ring (40). The frusto-conical gripping ring (40) is formed of a plurality of arcuate segments (40a) and (40b) which overlap to form a complete ring. By forming the gripping ring of segments, the gripping ring is able to adapt to pipes that are not truly circular in cross section and a better grip on the pipe may be achieved than with a single-piece gripping ring.