Ball-and-Socket Pipe Coupling for Misaligned Emergency Repairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplers face challenges in providing mechanical flexibility and leak-proof sealing, especially under severe in-service load conditions and misalignment issues, which can lead to decoupling when pipes are subjected to external loads or seismic activity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a ball and socket joint with a grip cam arrangement in underground pipe couplers allows for angular flexibility up to 30 degrees or more without the need for welding, gluing, or thrust block preparation, enabling reliable and rapid emergency repairs by transferring angular thrust to the pipe and ensuring proper sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mechanical coupler or flange adapter is used for pipe repair, then the connection can be made quickly without welding or gluing, but the coupling lacks sufficient mechanical flexibility and may decouple under severe load conditions or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball and socket joint mechanism where a spherical ball element fits into a socket, enabling angular flexibility and misalignment accommodation. This curved geometry allows the coupling to absorb seismic vibrations and thermal expansions while maintaining a secure connection, resolving the contradiction between quick installation and connection stability under severe conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a ball and socket joint is introduced to provide angular flexibility, then the coupling can withstand misalignment and seismic activity, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a grip cam mechanism for secure attachment, a ball and socket joint for angular flexibility, and a resilient sealing ring for leak-proof sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable and modular, reducing the perceived complexity despite the enhanced adaptability.
3Strength
If a grip cam arrangement is used to transfer angular thrust to the pipe, then the coupling becomes pull-out proof, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip cam mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the coupling to adapt to different pipe sizes and conditions during installation. The cam can be tightened or loosened as needed, providing strong pull-out resistance when secured while maintaining ease of installation through simple manual adjustment without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an underground pipe coupling for an emergency repair during pipe breakage and comprises a ball and socket coupling joint having a ball joint (5) which is free to rotate inside a socket joint (3) fastened by means of a ball joint backing ring (4) along with an O ring (7) positioned in between them. A pair of grip cam mounting plates (1), with grip cams (6)/double grip cams (6a) are provided, one of which connects at one end of the broken pipe and ball joint (5), and the other one connects the other end of the broken pipe and the socket joint (3) in a watertight manner by means of a resilient sealing ring (2) placed in between each one of them. The grip cams rotate on eccentric axes in the counterclockwise direction and prevent the decoupling of the pipe joint.