Branchless Pipe Coupling with Sealable Access Opening

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing plumbing systems require labor-intensive and costly processes for leak testing, involving the disconnection and reconnection of drain pipes to sewer lines, which complicates the testing process and increases installation expenses due to the need for branch fittings or caps.

Innovation Solution

A branchless tubular coupling fitting with a sealable access opening allows for in-situ testing by inflating a balloon through the access opening to seal the line, eliminating the need for caps and branch fittings, and featuring stepped inner diameters for secure pipe connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional leak testing is performed by disconnecting and capping pipes, then the line can be sealed for testing, but the process becomes labor-intensive and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device is nested within the coupling fitting itself. The coupling fitting contains a built-in testing port and balloon mechanism, allowing the testing device to be inserted through the fitting's internal passage rather than requiring external caps or disconnecting pipes. This nesting eliminates the need for separate testing components and simplifies the overall testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling fitting serves multiple functions: it connects pipes together and simultaneously provides leak testing capability through its integrated testing port and balloon mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and operations, reducing labor and complexity while maintaining reliable leak detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional leak testing is performed by removing fittings and caps, then the line can be tested, but labor and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling fitting is pre-configured with an integrated testing port and balloon mechanism during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the testing device to be quickly inserted and deployed without requiring any disconnection or reconfiguration of the plumbing system, significantly reducing testing time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device is nested within the coupling fitting itself. The coupling fitting contains a built-in testing port and balloon mechanism, allowing the testing device to be inserted through the fitting's internal passage rather than requiring external caps or disconnecting pipes. This nesting eliminates the need for separate testing components and simplifies the overall testing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If branch fittings or caps are used to seal lines for testing, then the line can be tested, but the need for additional complex fittings increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline sealing capabilityVSAvoidfitting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling fitting serves multiple functions: it connects pipes together and simultaneously provides leak testing capability through its integrated testing port and balloon mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate testing equipment and operations, reducing labor and complexity while maintaining reliable leak detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing functionality is merged into the coupling fitting itself. The testing port, balloon mechanism, and pipe connection features are combined into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate caps or branch fittings and reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective leak testing without disassembling the plumbing line, reducing labor and installation costs by allowing for seamless testing and reconnection of pipes without complex fittings.

Implementation Method 1

For testing a balloon is placed in the flow passage of the coupling and is inflated via air pressure through the sealable access opening to seal the line for testing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10041630B1Pipe fitting with sealable access opening for line testing

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 HUDDLESTON MARTIN M

AI summary

A coupling fitting for connecting adjacent pipes. The coupling fitting includes a branchless tubular structure having a sealable access opening to facilitate line testing utilizing the coupling fitting. The sealable access opening is a no-hub opening extending through a body of the branchless tubular structure. The coupling includes a plug to seal the access opening to fluidly connect the pipes for use. For testing an inflatable balloon is placed in a flow passage of the coupling and is inflated via air pressure through the sealable access opening. Upon completion of line testing, the balloon is removed and the access opening is sealed via the plug.