Banded Flexible Pipe Coupling for Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical pipe couplings lack axial, torsional, and angular flexibility, making it difficult to assemble piping networks in the field without maintaining tight tolerances, and they fail to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without compromising fluid integrity.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly comprising tapered rings with circumferential grooves and sealing members, surrounded by a band with end plates that provide axial, torsional, and angular flexibility, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly using jackscrews, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid mechanical fittings are used to join pipes, then the joint strength and fluid integrity are maintained, but the piping network lacks flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and seismic movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid integrityVSAvoidjoint flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly incorporates flexible elements including a bellows section with expansion joints and resilient dampers that allow the joint to dynamically respond to thermal expansion, contraction, and seismic movements while maintaining fluid integrity through sealed connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly changes the physical parameters of the joint by introducing flexible materials and expandable/contractible elements that can adjust their dimensions in response to temperature and stress changes, enabling the joint to accommodate movement while maintaining sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If rigid joints are used with tight tolerance requirements for pipe assembly, then the fluid tight connection is ensured, but the difficulty and cost of field assembly increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid tight connectionVSAvoidfield assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly uses flexible bellows sections and resilient sealing elements that can deform to accommodate misalignment and tolerance variations during field assembly, making installation easier while maintaining fluid tight connections through the flexible sealed joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible elements in the coupling assembly allow for dynamic adjustment during assembly to accommodate field conditions and tolerance variations, enabling easier installation while maintaining reliable sealing through the compliant connection design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple expansion joints or loops are added to piping networks to accommodate thermal expansion, then the flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidpiping network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly merges the functions of traditional expansion joints, flexible connectors, and sealing elements into a single integrated unit that can be installed at one location, eliminating the need for multiple separate expansion joints or loops while maintaining the same thermal accommodation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible coupling elements are added to accommodate pipe movement, then the joint flexibility is improved, but the risk of compromising fluid integrity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint flexibilityVSAvoidfluid integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly uses flexible bellows sections and resilient sealing elements that maintain fluid integrity through continuous sealed membranes while allowing the necessary movement and deformation to accommodate thermal expansion and seismic activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables flexible pipe joints that accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and seismic movements without compromising fluid integrity, allowing for assembly in the field with reduced tolerance requirements and eliminating the need for special expansion joints.

Implementation Method 1

A piping network that must expand or contract and yet maintain fluid-tight connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The band has an inwardly facing surface sealingly engageable with the first and second sealing members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2066950B1Banded flexible pipe coupling

Publication Date: 2011.10.26 VICTAULIC

Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~5
Figure 3

AI summary

A coupling assembly is disclosed for joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end. First and second rings are attached to an end of each pipe element. Each ring has an outwardly facing surface with a groove which receives a sealing member. A band is positioned in overlying relation surrounding the rings when the pipe ends are arranged in end-to-end relationship. The band has an inwardly facing surface engaged with the sealing members. The band also has oppositely disposed end faces. End plates are attached to each end face. The end plates project radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with the rings to retain the pipe elements in end-to-end relation within the band.