Branch Pipe Coupling Assembly for Fast Installation and Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting inlet and branch pipes in fire sprinkler systems require extensive assembly time and materials, leading to high construction costs and potential fluid leakage when increasing the branch hole diameter for enhanced flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring an inlet pipe with a branch hole, a branch pipe, and a coupler with an extension portion that matches or exceeds the inlet pipe's diameter, including a support surface and reinforcing bar to prevent leakage and simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding or T-type pipe installation is used to connect inlet pipe and branch pipe, then fluid communication is achieved, but assembly time and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coupler is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the inlet pipe and branch pipe. The coupler includes an extension portion that passes through the branch hole and is inserted into the inlet pipe, providing a simplified connection mechanism that eliminates the need for welding or complex T-type installations while ensuring reliable fluid communication
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: the inlet pipe, the branch pipe, and the coupler with extension portion. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly compared to traditional welding methods, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability
2Productivity
If branch hole diameter is increased to increase flow rate, then fluid flow improves, but leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion of the coupler is nested within the inlet pipe by passing through the branch hole and inserting into the inlet pipe. This nested configuration allows the extension portion to seal against the inner peripheral surface of the inlet pipe, preventing leakage even when the branch hole diameter is increased to improve flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The extension portion acts as an intermediary sealing element between the branch hole and the inlet pipe interior. It bridges the gap created by the enlarged branch hole, maintaining the seal and preventing fluid leakage while allowing larger diameter for improved flow rate
3Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used, then pipes are connected, but device complexity and parts quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the connection interface, the sealing mechanism through the extension portion, and the structural support. This merging reduces the total number of parts needed compared to traditional methods that require separate welding materials, gaskets, and multiple pipe sections
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coupling assembly for branching a pipe, and more specifically to a coupling assembly for branching a pipe, which can reduce assembly man-hours, has a simplified configuration, thus enabling a reduction in construction costs, and can effectively prevent the leakage of branched fluid even when the diameter of a branch hole formed in an inlet pipe is increased in order to increase a flow rate inside a branch pipe for supplying fluid to a sprinkler.