Wide-Range Pipe Fitting With Rotating Grip Teeth for Low-Torque Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid distribution systems, it is challenging to securely connect pipes of unknown diameters, especially when the outer diameter varies due to different materials, and applying sufficient torque can be difficult, especially in inaccessible locations, leading to potential pipe disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly comprising a piping element, a nut, a gasket, and a grip band with teeth that compresses to securely engage with the pipe, allowing for adjustable fitting across various pipe diameters and materials, reducing the need for high torque during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fastener is used to secure the pipe, then the connection can be made, but significant torque is required to fully tighten and the pipe can pull out if not tightened enough
Solution Approach 1:
The grip band changes its physical parameters by transitioning from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, altering the angle of attack of its teeth to engage the pipe surface more effectively. This parameter change allows the fastener to achieve secure connection with reduced torque requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The grip band is designed as a dynamic component that rotates and compresses during tightening, transforming from a loose configuration to a compressed engagement state. This dynamic behavior enables the fastener to adapt to the pipe surface and maintain secure connection without requiring excessive torque
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-diameter fitting is used, then the connection can be made for specific pipe sizes, but it cannot accommodate pipes of unknown or varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The grip band with rotatable teeth is designed to universally engage with pipes of varying diameters and materials. The teeth can rotate to different angles of attack, allowing the same fastener design to accommodate different pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized fittings
Solution Approach 2:
The grip band is segmented into multiple teeth that can independently rotate and engage the pipe surface. This segmentation allows each tooth to adapt to the pipe diameter, providing versatility across different pipe sizes while maintaining a unified fastener structure
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 joint assembly provides a secure and reliable connection across a range of pipe diameters and materials, ensuring a tight seal and resisting pipe pull-out, even with lower installation torque, thus simplifying maintenance and installation processes.
Implementation Method 1
reducing an inner diameter of the grip band while maintaining an outer diameter of the grip band
Implementation Method 2
engaging the grip band with the pipe length to fix a position of the pipe length
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly can include a piping element and a fastener configured to secure a pipe length to the piping element, the fastener including: a nut; a gasket positioned at least partially between the nut and the piping element; and a grip band positioned at least partially between the nut and the gasket, the grip band defining a first axial end and a second axial end, the grip band including a plurality of teeth extending from the first axial end, each of the plurality of teeth configured to rotate with respect to an axis of the grip band in transition between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition to change a corresponding angle of attack of each of the plurality of teeth with respect to the pipe length.