Articulating Pipe Coupling for Curved Trenchless Tunneling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunneling technologies face challenges in constructing curved pipelines due to the limited flexibility of traditional pipe couplings, making it difficult to minimize ground subsidence and upheaval when tunneling beneath structures.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system for pipes that allows for articulation by incorporating angled distal end surfaces and shelves in male and female couplers, enabling a range of motion and facilitating the construction of curved tunnels through trenchless methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pipe couplings are used in tunneling operations, then the pipe installation process is simple and straightforward, but the pipes can curve only slightly if at all, making construction of curved tunnels difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates movable articulation features including ramp surfaces and teeth that allow dynamic adjustment between straight and curved configurations. The male and female couplers can articulate relative to each other within a specified range, enabling the pipe system to adapt to curved tunnel paths while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate male and female coupler components with distinct articulation features. The male coupler includes a distal end surface and shelf, while the female coupler includes corresponding engagement features with teeth and ramp surfaces. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component for curved configuration capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional straight pipe couplings are used, then the coupling structure is simple and robust, but it is impossible to minimize ground subsidence and upheaval when tunneling beneath structures through curved path adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism allows the pipe system to dynamically adjust its configuration to follow curved tunnel paths, distributing ground movement forces along the curved path rather than creating concentrated stress points, thereby minimizing ground subsidence and upheaval beneath structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is specifically designed with curved engagement features including angled distal end surfaces and shelves that facilitate curved configurations. The ramp surfaces and teeth are geometrically configured to enable smooth articulation, allowing the pipe system to navigate curved paths and adapt to the curvature of the tunnel being constructed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pipe couplings with articulation capability are implemented, then curved pipelines can be constructed, but the coupling features become more complex with multiple engagement surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple articulation functions are merged into a single coupling interface. The distal end surface, shelf, ramp surfaces, and teeth are integrated into unified male and female coupler assemblies, allowing curved configuration capability without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system serves multiple functions through its articulated design: it provides both straight and curved configuration capability, maintains structural integrity during articulation, and enables smooth transitions between pipe sections. The same engagement features (teeth, ramp surfaces, shelves) simultaneously provide mechanical coupling and articulation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Coupling systems for pipes that are press fit together in trenchless tunneling operations and which provide for the construction of curved pipelines can include a pipe with a pipe axis, a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion includes a female coupler having an inner wall surface and a set of coupler features formed on the inner wall surface, the coupler features including a plurality of teeth and a plurality of ramp surfaces between the teeth. The second end portion of the pipe includes a radially-extending distal end surface. The female coupler further includes a radially-extending shelf formed in the inner wall surface on an opposite side of the coupler features from the distal end surface. The distal end surface and the shelf are angled relative to a radially-extending reference line that is perpendicular to the pipe axis.