Segmented Pipe Restraint Rings for PVC Joint Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joint restraint assemblies for molecularly oriented PVC pipes, such as AWWA C909, face issues with deformation and weaker joints due to the lack of gripping coverage, leading to potential failure under stress.
Innovation Solution
A restraint device assembly comprising a pair of ring portions with arcuate inner peripheries that encircle the pipe, featuring strategically positioned tie rod openings and flanges to distribute force evenly and prevent deformation, along with clamping mechanisms to secure the rings together, ensuring complete contact with the pipe surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a gland with 2 or 3 spaced segments is used to reduce cost and simplify structure, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but gripping coverage is insufficient causing pipe deformation and weaker joints
Solution Approach 1:
The gland is divided into multiple segments (at least three) spaced around the pipe circumference. Each segment independently contacts the pipe surface, and collectively they provide complete gripping coverage without deformation. This segmentation allows the structure to be simplified while maintaining reliability through distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each gland segment is designed with specific local characteristics including contact surfaces that match the pipe geometry, positioning features, and fastening mechanisms. The segments are strategically positioned to ensure complete coverage of the pipe circumference, with each segment providing localized gripping force distributed evenly around the joint.
2Quantity of substance
If segments are spaced apart to reduce material usage and cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but gaps between segments allow pipe deformation and create weaker joints
Solution Approach 1:
The gland is divided into multiple segments (at least three) spaced around the pipe circumference. Each segment independently contacts the pipe surface, and collectively they provide complete gripping coverage without deformation. This segmentation allows the structure to be simplified while maintaining reliability through distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple gland segments are combined with fasteners (bolts, screws, or interlocking mechanisms) to create a unified restraining structure. The segments work together as an integrated system, with each segment contributing to the overall gripping force and joint strength, effectively merging their individual functions into a cohesive whole.
3Reliability
If a six-segment gland is used to provide complete gripping coverage and prevent deformation, then joint strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gland is divided into multiple segments (at least three) spaced around the pipe circumference. Each segment independently contacts the pipe surface, and collectively they provide complete gripping coverage without deformation. This segmentation allows the structure to be simplified while maintaining reliability through distributed contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The number of segments is optimized to at least three, which provides sufficient gripping coverage and joint strength while reducing complexity compared to six-segment designs. The segment spacing, contact surface area, and fastening mechanism parameters are adjusted to achieve the minimum effective configuration that maintains reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint device assembly that couples adjoining pipes together is provided. The restraint device assembly includes a ring portion having an arcuate inner periphery surface that encircles an outer wall surface of a pipe. The ring includes a first tie rod opening located adjacent a first location and a second tie rod opening located adjacent a second location. The first and second tie rod openings are spaced apart from each other by a first distance. The second ring portion includes a third tie rod opening located adjacent the first location, a fourth tie rod opening located adjacent the second location. The fourth tie rod opening is spaced apart from the third tie rod opening a second distance.