Pipe Coupling Bridge Structure for Anti-Shearing Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling assemblies often experience deformation or shearing of fasteners, such as screws or rivets, due to excessive clamping force applied during the tightening process, which compromises the structural integrity of the coupling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an anti-shearing structure featuring a male and female connection or protrusions and apertures between the bridge and the band, which distributes and absorbs shearing forces, preventing deformation of the fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If tightening fasteners are used to clamp the clamp members together, then the clamping force is increased to secure the sealing ring, but the mechanical fasteners securing the bridge to the band deform or shear due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary anti-shearing structure (protrusions and apertures) between the bridge and band that acts as a force mediator. This structure distributes the clamping force from the tightening fasteners across multiple engagement points rather than concentrating it on the mechanical fasteners, preventing their deformation while maintaining the necessary clamping force on the sealing ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-shearing structure segments the force transmission path by dividing the single point of attachment into multiple protrusion-aperture engagement points. This segmentation distributes the shear force across multiple locations, reducing the stress on each individual mechanical fastener and preventing their failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the bridge to the band, then the bridge is held in place to maintain seal position, but the fasteners deform or shear under excessive tightening force
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-shearing structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that maintains the bridge's positional stability relative to the band without relying solely on the mechanical fasteners. The protrusions engage with the apertures to provide stable positioning while protecting the fasteners from excessive shear forces that would compromise their reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-shearing structure provides beforehand cushioning by being designed to absorb and distribute excessive forces before they can reach the mechanical fasteners. This protective structure prevents force concentration that would otherwise lead to fastener deformation, ensuring fastener reliability under high clamping loads.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bridge spans the gap between clamp members, then the sealing ring is kept in place during tightening, but the fasteners attaching the bridge experience excessive shear force
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-shearing structure acts as an intermediary force distribution system between the bridge and band. It maintains the bridge's stabilizing function for the sealing ring while mediating the force transmission to reduce shear forces on the mechanical fasteners through its protrusion-aperture engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the force transmission through multiple protrusion-aperture contact points, the structure reduces the shear force burden on each individual fastener while maintaining the bridge's position-stabilizing function for the sealing ring during the tightening process.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling assembly includes a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members that extend from the band, at least one tightening element for clamping together the clamp members, and a bridge secured to the band with one or more bridge securing fasteners. The bridge spans a gap between the opposing clamp members. Anti-shearing structure is coupled to the bridge and the band, configured to prevent shearing or deformation of the bridge securing fasteners.