Arcuate Rib Pipe Coupling for Rigid Yet Fluid-Tight Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings, such as Straub type couplings, lack the necessary bending stiffness for applications requiring rigidity, while maintaining the flexibility and fluid-tight sealing of Straub type couplings.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a unitary band with arcuate ribs and adjustable connection members that deform between ribs to engage pipe elements, providing increased bending stiffness and a seal for fluid-tight joints, suitable for plain, grooved, and shoulder end pipe elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Straub type coupling design is used, then flexibility in bending is achieved, but bending stiffness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling band is segmented into multiple arcuate ribs positioned end-to-end along opposite sides. These ribs create distinct segments that can deform independently, allowing the coupling to maintain flexibility while the collective structure provides increased bending stiffness compared to a continuous band design.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate ribs are designed with specific geometric properties (arcuate shape matching pipe curvature) and are positioned at specific locations along the band. This local structural enhancement at rib positions provides bending stiffness where needed, while the spaces between ribs maintain flexibility and allow deformation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the band is made rigid to increase bending stiffness, then flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling band is designed to transition between different states: during installation, the band is flexible and can be easily deformed to accommodate pipe elements; once installed with ribs engaged, the structure becomes rigid. The arcuate ribs enable this dynamic behavior by allowing controlled deformation during installation while providing stiffness during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective stiffness parameter of the coupling changes based on the engagement state of the arcuate ribs with the pipe elements. During installation, ribs are not yet engaged, allowing flexible deformation. After installation, rib engagement with pipe surfaces transforms the coupling into a rigid structure, changing the effective mechanical parameters from flexible to rigid.
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 coupling achieves enhanced bending rigidity and fluid-tight sealing by deforming between ribs to engage pipe elements, ensuring secure and leak-proof connections across various pipe types.
Implementation Method 1
The band is deformable between each of the ribs. This allows the first and second ends to move toward one another upon adjustable tightening of the connection members. The surfaces on each of the ribs are thereby being brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for joining pipe elements end to end has a unitary band surrounding a central space for receiving the pipe elements. Ends of the band are in facing relation. Adjustable connection members are positioned at each end of the band for drawing the ends toward each other and deforming the band. Arcuate ribs are positioned lengthwise along opposite sides of the band. The ribs are separated from one another by gaps between the ribs. In their undeformed state, each rib has an arcuate surface with a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe elements which they engage. When the band is deformed the ribs clamp against the outer surface of the pipe elements to effect the joint.