Band-Clamp Pipe Coupling with Grip Washers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings struggle to effectively interconnect large diameter pipes with varying diameters, often requiring welding, failing to prevent axial separation, and experiencing fluid leakage, especially when dealing with diameter variations beyond 3 mm.
Innovation Solution
A releasable band-clamp coupling with a curved outer housing, inwardly-facing projections, sloped internally-toothed grip washers, and a circumferential elastomeric seal member that allows for clamping without intruding on the pipe's inner diameter, accommodating diameter variations up to 10 mm, and preventing axial separation and fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect large diameter pipes, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical clamping system consisting of a band clamp and grip washers. The band clamp applies radial compression force to securely connect large diameter pipes without requiring welding operations, thereby reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining connection strength.
2Force
If a rigid clamp is used to prevent axial separation, then the resistance to axial forces is improved, but the adaptability to diameter variations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic band clamp system with adjustable tension rather than a fixed rigid clamp. The band clamp can be tightened or loosened to accommodate different pipe diameters within a range, while still providing sufficient radial compression force to prevent axial separation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between force resistance and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compression force parameter applied by the band clamp to adapt to different pipe diameters. By adjusting the tension in the band clamp, the system can accommodate diameter variations up to 10 mm while maintaining adequate radial compression to prevent axial separation and ensure proper sealing.
3Reliability
If a seal member is added to prevent fluid leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the hydraulic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric seal member that conforms to the pipe surface to create an effective seal. The thin film nature of the seal minimizes the intrusion into the pipe's internal flow path, thereby maintaining low hydraulic resistance while providing reliable fluid sealing between connected pipes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex gripping mechanism is used to handle diameter variations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal band clamp mechanism that serves multiple functions: it provides radial compression to prevent axial separation, accommodates diameter variations through adjustable tension, and works with the elastomeric seal to prevent leakage. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without requiring multiple separate components or complex mechanisms.
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 provides reliable mechanical and hydraulic interconnection for large diameter pipes with diameter variations, ensuring secure sealing and resistance to axial separation without the need for welding, while maintaining low hydraulic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential elastomeric seal member disposed inside said inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both said first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment
Implementation Method 2
a sloped internally-toothed grip washer disposed proximate to each of said projection second sides
Data Source
AI summary
A band coupling for straight line interconnection of flangeless pipes and a built in pipe grip mechanism to resist axial separation forces is provided. The band-clamp coupling comprises an outer housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the walls thereof facing the center of the pipes, and a low-wall inner channel fitting into the outer channel. The inner channel being provided with spaced-apart inwardly-facing projection adjacent to each of the inner channel walls, each projection having a first sloping side axially facing the line of pipe abutment and a second sloping side axially facing away from the line of pipe abutment. A sloped internally-toothed grip washer is disposed along each of the projection second sides; and a seal member is disposed inside the inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both the first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment.