Adjustable Pipe Seal Strip with Dividing Cuts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joint seals require multiple sizes to be manufactured for different diameters, and on-site cutting of seals to fit specific pipe diameters is inaccurate and hazardous, leading to potential leakage and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A flexible seal strip with narrow dividing cuts and bridge members that can be easily severed to adjust the length, allowing for precise shortening to fit various pipe diameters without the need for multiple seal sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a special seal is manufactured for each coupling diameter, then the seal fits the specific diameter accurately, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single seal strip that can be adapted to multiple coupling diameters through on-site cutting. Instead of manufacturing separate seals for each diameter, one universal seal strip design serves all diameter requirements, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining fit accuracy through proper cutting and joining methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seal strip into modular sections that can be cut and reconfigured. The seal strip can be divided into segments that are joined end-to-end to achieve the required circumference for different diameters, allowing a single design to accommodate multiple sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal strip is cut to the required length on site by hand, then the seal can be adapted to different diameters, but the cutting accuracy decreases and personal injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the seal strip at regular intervals corresponding to different coupling diameters. These pre-marked positions guide the cutting process, ensuring accurate length adjustment without requiring complex measurement or precise hand-cutting skills on site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scoring line as an intermediary element that facilitates accurate cutting. The scoring line provides a precise cutting path that guides the cutting tool, ensuring clean and accurate cuts while reducing the skill level required for on-site cutting operations
3Ease of operation
If the seal strip ends are joined to form a ring, then the seal can be installed in the coupling, but leakage may occur at the joint between ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by designing the seal strip ends with curved or tapered surfaces that match and blend together when joined. This curved geometry creates a continuous sealing surface at the joint, preventing leakage while maintaining the flexibility needed for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the seal strip ends with overlapping or interlocking sections that create a continuous seal. The ends are designed to merge seamlessly, eliminating gaps or discontinuities that could cause leakage while maintaining the overall seal integrity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to external sealing of pipe joints. The invention provides a wide seal strip useful in combination with a coupling for pipes, the length, and hence the diameter of the seal strip being adjustable also on site. The invention provides a pipe clamp flexible seal strip adaptable to be easily shortened by the user to a required length. The seal strip being configured for use inside a pipe coupling, and having at least one narrow dividing cut which extends across the width of the seal to almost completely divide a major portion of the strip length from a minor portion thereof. The minor portion remaining connected to the major portion by at least one bridge member which can easily be severed on site for removal and disposal of the minor portion.