Adjustable Bar Linkage for Sealing Unequal-Diameter Pipe Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings often fail to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters due to differences in manufacturing standards and tolerances, leading to leaks or failure in sealing.
Innovation Solution
A bar linkage system for pipe couplings that includes a first and second bar spanning end rings, with a tensioner joining them, allowing for adjustable tension to accommodate pipes of unequal diameters by angling the bars relative to the pipe coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe coupling is designed to fit a specific pipe diameter according to manufacturing standards, then it achieves reliable sealing for that standard, but it cannot accommodate pipes with different diameters from other standards
Solution Approach 1:
The bar linkage system employs movable bars that can dynamically adjust their position and angle relative to the pipe coupling body. This dynamic configuration allows the coupling to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining sealing reliability, resolving the contradiction between fixed-standard reliability and multi-standard adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the bar linkage system (bar angles, distances from pivot points) to accommodate different pipe diameter parameters. By adjusting these parameters, the same coupling can reliably seal pipes from different standards (ASME, JIS, DIN) with varying diameter specifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different seals and couplings are fabricated to accommodate various pipe sizes and standards, then compatibility with different pipe standards is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bar linkage pipe coupling is designed as a universal device that can function with multiple different pipe standards (ASME, JIS, DIN) and various diameter specifications. This single multi-functional coupling replaces the need for multiple specialized couplings, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining broad compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the bar linkage system enables one coupling design to serve multiple purposes across different pipe standards, eliminating the need to fabricate and maintain separate couplings for each standard, thus reducing overall device complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid bar linkages are used in pipe couplings, then structural stability is maintained, but they cannot adjust to accommodate pipes with unequal or varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the rigid bar linkage into a dynamic system where bars can pivot and adjust their configuration. This dynamic capability allows the structurally stable bar linkage to adapt to different pipe diameters and unequal diameter configurations, maintaining stability while gaining adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The bar linkage system is segmented into multiple movable bars connected through pivot points, allowing each segment to adjust independently. This segmentation enables the overall structure to adapt to varying pipe diameters while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected segments
Data Source
AI summary
A bar linkage for a pipe coupling can include a first bar configured to span two end rings of the pipe coupling; a second bar configured to span the two end rings of the pipe coupling; and a single tensioner extending through each of the first bar and the second bar and joining the first bar to the second bar along an axis of the bar linkage in an assembled condition of the bar linkage, the tensioner configured to draw the first bar towards the second bar, the first bar and the second bar able to be angled with respect to each other and with respect to the axis of the pipe coupling in a tightened condition of the pipe coupling when viewing the bar linkage from the top when the pipe coupling couples pipes of unequal diameter.