Segmented Locking Ring for Pipe Joint Deflection Integrity

Solution Overview

Problem

Spigot-bell pipe joints lack significant deflection capability under oblique or lateral forces, which can cause bending moments and potential joint failure.

Innovation Solution

A compound locking ring system composed of multiple ring segments with arcuate surfaces and notches, designed to fit within a pipe joint's segment cavity, allowing for circumferential extension and accommodating deflection without compromising the seal or integrity of the joint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional locking ring is used in a spigot-bell pipe joint, then the joint provides strong structural integrity and prevents disconnection, but the joint lacks significant deflection capability under oblique or lateral forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection capabilityVSAvoidjoint integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is divided into multiple discrete segments (typically 3-12 segments) that can independently rotate and adjust within the bell. Each segment has a notch that engages with the weld bead, while the arcuate outer surface allows the segments to follow a curved path during deflection, enabling the joint to accommodate oblique forces while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking ring segments are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to rotate and reposition themselves as the joint deflects. The arcuate geometry of the outer surface and the rotational freedom of segments enable the locking ring to adapt its configuration in response to applied loads, transforming from a rigid constraint into a flexible adaptation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a rigid locking ring is used to maintain joint strength, then the joint resists disconnection well, but it cannot accommodate bending moments from lateral forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoiddeflection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is divided into multiple discrete segments (typically 3-12 segments) that can independently rotate and adjust within the bell. Each segment has a notch that engages with the weld bead, while the arcuate outer surface allows the segments to follow a curved path during deflection, enabling the joint to accommodate oblique forces while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking ring segments are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to rotate and reposition themselves as the joint deflects. The arcuate geometry of the outer surface and the rotational freedom of segments enable the locking ring to adapt its configuration in response to applied loads, transforming from a rigid constraint into a flexible adaptation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ring segments are used to enable deflection, then the joint gains adaptability, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection capabilityVSAvoidlocking ring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking ring is divided into multiple discrete segments (typically 3-12 segments) that can independently rotate and adjust within the bell. Each segment has a notch that engages with the weld bead, while the arcuate outer surface allows the segments to follow a curved path during deflection, enabling the joint to accommodate oblique forces while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple locking ring segments are inserted together through a single access point (slot) in the bell wall, nesting them within the bell's interior space. This nesting approach allows the segments to be installed as a coordinated set, with each segment fitting within the confined space of the bell while maintaining their individual rotational freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12259069B2Compound locking ring for pipe joints

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 US PIPE & FOUNDRY

AI summary

A pipe joint having a compound locking ring is disclosed herein. The pipe joint bell has a segment cavity into which ring segments may be inserted through a slot on the face or outer surface of the bell end of a first pipe. The locking ring has multiple ring segments, each segment having an arcuate outer surface. The outer surface may be a compound surface of multiple arcs.