Angularly Oriented Cavity Pipe Coupling for Seal Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical pipe couplings that rotate to increase joint rigidity often distort the sealing member due to engagement with sidewalls, compromising the fluid-tight seal.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using coupling segments with angularly oriented concavities and seals positioned within these concavities, allowing the segments to rotate without distorting the sealing member by orienting the concavities parallel to the seal, and utilizing connection members like lugs and fasteners for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling segments are rotated to increase joint rigidity, then joint rigidity is improved, but the sealing member is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple segments that can rotate independently relative to each other. The sealing member is positioned in a cavity that allows it to remain stationary while the coupling segments rotate around it, enabling the segments to achieve proper alignment and rigidity without distorting the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary structure that houses the sealing member and allows relative rotation between coupling segments. The cavity's geometry enables the sealing member to be engaged by the segments without being distorted during the rotation process, as the segments rotate around the cavity rather than directly against the seal.
2Strength
If coupling segments are drawn together to form a tight joint, then joint strength is improved, but the sealing member may be over-compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is designed with specific geometric characteristics that concentrate the compressive force on designated areas of the sealing member while leaving other areas relatively uncompressed. This localized compression ensures adequate sealing without over-compressing the entire sealing member, maintaining its integrity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If angularly oriented surfaces are used to effect rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is designed with curved surfaces that guide the rotation of coupling segments. The curved geometry naturally facilitates the rotational motion as segments are drawn together, eliminating the need for additional angularly oriented surfaces or complex mechanical mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for joining pipe elements in end to end relation uses a coupling that includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the concavities are oriented substantially parallel to the seal.