Annular Clamp Assembly with Separate Fasteners for Pipe Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe coupling technologies lack versatility, requiring users to select specific features based on various factors like diameter, sealing requirements, and installation ease, and often do not offer a single solution that can accommodate different pipe diameters and materials effectively.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly that combines an elastomeric seal member with a grip ring assembly, featuring separate tightenable fasteners for each component, allowing for adjustable assembly on various pipe diameters and materials, and optionally using two annular clamps that can be tightened independently for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fastener is used to tighten both the elastomeric seal member and grip ring assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pipe diameters and materials is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate functional components: an elastomeric seal member with its own fastener for sealing, and a grip ring assembly with a separate fastener for mechanical gripping. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to suit different pipe diameters and materials, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate fasteners are provided for each annular clamp, then the adaptability to different pipe diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each fastener is designed to perform multiple functions: the first fastener tightens the elastomeric seal member for sealing while also contributing to the overall clamping force, and the second fastener tightens the grip ring assembly for mechanical gripping while also assisting in clamping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fixed design is used for pipe couplings, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation for different applications is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates adjustable elements through separate fasteners that allow the elastomeric seal member and grip ring assembly to be independently tightened or loosened. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same clamp design to be easily installed on pipes of varying diameters and materials, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of operation.
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 versatile and adaptable pipe coupling system that can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters and materials, offering improved sealing and clamping capabilities while allowing for easy assembly and adjustment, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric seal member with a bridge element and two clamp members
Implementation Method 2
The grip ring is formed of wedge-shaped grip elements that are radially spaced from one another. The grip elements are formed with teeth that face inwards towards the center of the ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly (10) comprising a first annular clamp (12) for inserting therein a pipe, a first sealing ring operative to contact an outer contour of the pipe; and a first fastener (30), comprising a shank; and a second annular clamp (34), wherein said second annular clamp (34) is mounted on a separate annular housing that mounts onto said first annular clamp wherein said separate annular housing comprises at least one axial flange (60) that extends over a portion of said first annular clamp, a bridge element is provided that presses against one or more sealing rings when tightening the annular clamp.