Split Gripping Ring Joint Restraint for Faster Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical joints in pipe systems often require time-consuming assembly and can be incorrectly assembled, especially when using plain ends, which lack the precision and speed of grooved or flanged connections, and may not provide adequate sealing without specialized tools or training.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical joint restraint system comprising a gasket, a gripping ring, and a gland, where the gripping ring is a split ring with circumferential ends and a gap, and a bridge engaging these ends, allowing for easy assembly and secure sealing by compressing the gasket between the pipe length and the piping element using common hand tools, without the need for specialized equipment or training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical joint uses a plain end pipe without special tooling, then ease of manufacture is improved, but assembly time and precision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe end is pre-formed with a recess that receives the gasket and gripping ring components. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for field grooving operations while ensuring proper component positioning and alignment during assembly, thereby reducing assembly time without requiring special tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical joint assembly is divided into discrete components (gasket, gripping ring, bridge, gland) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The segmented design allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling quick assembly using common hand tools without requiring specialized equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical joint uses a plain end pipe without special tooling, then ease of manufacture is improved, but assembly precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is pre-formed in the pipe end with precise dimensions and geometry to guide proper component placement. This preliminary action ensures that the gasket and gripping ring are positioned correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for complex field measurements and marking operations while maintaining high assembly precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates self-aligning features where the components naturally guide themselves into correct positions during assembly. The gripping ring with its specific geometry and the bridge structure work together to automatically position components accurately without requiring specialized tooling or highly trained operators.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical joint uses a gripping ring with a gap and bridge, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring is designed as a split ring with a gap, dividing it into two separable halves. This segmentation allows the ring to be easily installed by opening the gap, positioning it around the pipe, and closing it, thereby simplifying the installation operation. The additional bridge component connects the two halves and provides the necessary structural support and compression force.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge acts as an intermediary component that connects the two halves of the gripping ring across the gap. It transfers and distributes the compression force evenly around the pipe circumference while maintaining the simplicity of the installation process. The bridge enables the gripping ring to function effectively despite the gap, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising structural integrity.
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
Facilitates quick and correct assembly of mechanical joints using common tools, ensuring secure sealing and reducing the risk of incorrect assembly, while allowing for field installation without the need for specialized tooling or training, thus improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
drawing the gland of the mechanical joint restraint towards a flange of the piping element to compress the gasket into sealing engagement with each of the piping element and the pipe length
Implementation Method 2
a force resulting from movement of the gland being transferred to an entire circumference of the gasket by a surface of the gripping ring and a surface of the bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical joint restraint includes: a gasket defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a bore, the bore defining an axis therethrough, the gasket defining a first gasket end and a second gasket end; a gland defining a bore defining an axis and positioned axially outward from the gasket with respect to the first gasket end with the mechanical joint restraint in an assembled condition, the axis of the gland aligned collinearly with the axis of the gasket; a gripping ring positioned between the gasket and the gland, the gripping ring being a split ring defining a pair of circumferential ends and a gap therebetween; and a bridge engaging each of the pair of circumferential ends of the gripping ring and extending in a circumferential direction of the gripping ring across the gap therebetween with the mechanical joint restraint in the assembled condition.