Stab-Type Pipe Fitting with Removable Grip and Multi-Seal Stiffener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stab-type pipe fittings currently offer a one-time use solution for connecting plastic pipes, requiring cutting to remove the fitting, and lack an effective mechanism for maintaining a leak-proof seal across varying pipe diameters and temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an outer casing with pipe ports, a hollow inner casing containing grippers with reverse serrations and stiffeners with multi-compression sealing members, allowing for secure pipe engagement and sealing across different diameters and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stab-type pipe fittings are designed for quick and easy manual insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the fitting cannot be removed and requires cutting the pipe for removal
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe fitting is divided into separable components: a first component with a sealing element and a second component with a gripping element. These components can be detached from each other, allowing the pipe to be removed by separating the components rather than cutting the pipe. The sealing element remains engaged with the pipe while the gripping element provides removable mechanical retention.
2Device complexity
If a single sealing mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the seal cannot maintain integrity across varying pipe diameters and temperature ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element incorporates multiple sealing surfaces or zones with different properties optimized for specific functions. The first sealing surface provides the primary seal, while additional sealing surfaces provide backup sealing and accommodate variations in pipe diameter and temperature. Each sealing zone is positioned to address specific sealing challenges under different operating conditions.
3Strength
If reverse serrations are made rigid to prevent pipe withdrawal, then gripping strength is improved, but resistance to forward advancement of the pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element features flexible reverse serrations that can dynamically change their mechanical properties during operation. During forward insertion, the serrations flex outward to accommodate the pipe and reduce resistance. Once the pipe is in position, the serrations spring back to engage the pipe wall firmly, providing strong gripping strength to prevent withdrawal. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to provide both easy insertion and strong retention.
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 reliable, leak-proof connection that prevents pipe withdrawal and maintains sealing integrity despite variations in pipe diameter and temperature, ensuring durable and versatile pipe fitting functionality.
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.