Sewer Pipe Fitting Assembly with Compressible Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for altering or repairing sewer systems are costly and time-consuming, requiring extensive excavation and often damaging aged infrastructure, and existing pipe fittings rely on friction or mechanical pressure that can stress and damage pipes.
Innovation Solution
A sewer pipe fitting assembly with a compressible adapting member featuring transversely oriented teeth that form a fluid-tight seal by expanding to fit the pipe aperture and then compressing to secure within the pipe, using internal and external sealing members and a compression mechanism to reinforce the pipe and prevent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional excavation and branching methods are used, then pipe access and connection can be established, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapting member employs a flexible structure with radially extendable teeth that can be compressed for insertion and then expanded to engage the pipe wall, eliminating the need for extensive excavation while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth are designed to transition between a compressed state for insertion through the aperture and an expanded state for engagement with the pipe wall, allowing the fitting to adapt dynamically to the pipe dimensions and establish a secure connection quickly
2Ease of operation
If friction fit or mechanical pressure fittings are used, then branch connection can be established, but pipe stress and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth are pre-biased in a compressed state before insertion, allowing them to be easily pushed through the aperture without requiring excessive force on the pipe, and then automatically expand to engage the pipe wall gently
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting changes its dimensional parameters by transitioning the teeth from a compressed insertion state to an expanded engagement state, allowing easy insertion through the aperture while maintaining gentle contact with the pipe wall to avoid stress and damage
3Area of stationary object
If extensive excavation is performed, then pipe access for branching is achieved, but infrastructure damage and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the context of extensive excavation by providing a fitting that can be installed through a small aperture in the pipe wall, separating the branching operation from the need for large-scale infrastructure disruption
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible teeth structure allows the fitting to be inserted through a minimal aperture and then expand to engage the pipe wall, achieving secure connection without requiring extensive excavation or exposure of large pipe surface areas
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
This solution reduces the surface area exposure and installation time, lowers costs, and provides a durable, fluid-tight connection that minimizes pipe damage and risk of settlement, while allowing for efficient branching and repair of sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
The teeth are biased such that, once released, they return to a 'neutral' state whereby their collective circumference is again larger than that of the aperture, preventing removal of the adapting member from the sidewall
Implementation Method 2
Operating the compression member in the direction of the pipe causes a force to be applied that brings the sealing members closer to the pipe wall, applying a compressive force to the wall and forming a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly for establishing a fluid-tight connection with a pipe, the pipe having an aperture in a sidewall thereof, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The assembly comprises at least one adapting member, an internal sealing member disposed about the adapting member adjacent a distal end thereof, compression member disposed about the adapting member adjacent a proximal end thereof, and an external sealing member disposed about the adapting member between the internal sealing member and compression member. The distal end of the adapting member comprises teeth with outwardly extending flanged ends for insertion in the pipe aperture. Operation of the compression member causes the components to exert a compressive force on the sidewall of the pipe, forming the seal.