Stab-Type Pipe Fitting Seal Structure for Reusable Plastic Pipe Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stab-type pipe fittings are designed for one-time use and lack a reliable mechanism to prevent leakage, making them inefficient for repeated connections and sealing between plastic pipes.
Innovation Solution
The pipe fitting includes an outer casing, inner casing with grippers and stiffeners, featuring reverse serrations and multi-compression sealing members to facilitate easy insertion while preventing withdrawal and ensuring a leak-proof connection despite variations in pipe diameter and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stab-type pipe fittings are designed for one-time use with simple insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of sealing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe fitting is divided into multiple functional components: an outer casing for structural support, an inner casing for sealing, grippers for mechanical engagement, and stiffeners for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The inner casing is nested within the outer casing, and the stiffeners are positioned within the inner casing. This nested structure provides multiple sealing interfaces and mechanical engagement points without increasing the overall complexity of the insertion process, as all components are pre-assembled in a compact configuration
2Reliability
If reverse serrations are added to prevent pipe withdrawal, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Reverse serrations are applied locally only to the inner surface of the inner casing where mechanical engagement with the pipe is required. This localized application provides the necessary anti-withdrawal force without adding complexity to the entire fitting structure, as other regions maintain smooth surfaces for sealing purposes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external threading or complex locking mechanisms that would increase overall structural complexity, the patent uses internal reverse serrations on the inner casing that engage with the pipe in an inverted manner, providing reliable connection through a simpler internal feature
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sealing members are positioned at different diameters, then adaptability to pipe variations is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing members are positioned at different diametric locations on the inner casing, with each sealing member capable of engaging pipes of different diameters. This parameter variation in sealing member positioning provides adaptability to pipe diameter variations and temperature-induced expansion without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The inner casing serves multiple functions: it provides the sealing surface for the sealing members, contains the reverse serrations for mechanical engagement, and positions the stiffeners. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability
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 solution provides a leak-proof connection that accommodates variations in pipe diameter and temperature, maintaining a seal under different conditions, enhancing the reliability and versatility of stab-type pipe fittings.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one gripper includes one or more reverse serrations that can flex when a pipe is passed through the at least one gripper opening imparting little resistance to the forward advancement of the pipe into the at least one gripper while imparting sufficient resistance to rearward movement of the pipe to prevent withdrawal of the pipe from the at least one gripper
Implementation Method 2
The stiffener has at least a pair of sealing members each positioned within a groove in an outer surface of the stiffener such that when a pipe is passed over the stiffener and sealing members the sealing members can contact an interior wall of the pipe to provide a seal between the pipe and the stiffener
Data Source
AI summary
Stab-type pipe fittings capable of being inserted onto plastic pipes are provided. The pipe fittings have an outer casing with pipe ports, a hollow inner casing positioned within the outer casing, a pipe gripper and stiffener positioned within the inner casing. The pipe ports have an elongated lip that straightens a pipe inserted into the fitting. The stiffener provides a multi-compression seal to facilitate the leak proof connection.