Pipe Coupling Encapsulation Using Clamped Elastomeric Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling seals fail to effectively seal leaks in high-pressure pipelines without interrupting fluid flow and cannot be applied externally over existing bell-shaped or sleeve joints, leading to seal failure due to outward migration of seal lips.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling encapsulation assembly using two elastomeric partial rings wrapped around the leaking joint, secured with a metal band and tightening elements, which clamps the rings to create a hydraulic seal without interrupting fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior art seals are used externally over existing couplings or bell joints, then the seal can be applied without interrupting fluid flow, but the seal lips are pushed outwards by high pressure leading to complete seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the seal to expand outward against high pressure (which causes failure), the invention inverts the approach by providing internal support structures that prevent outward migration. The seal is supported from the inside by the pipe coupling assembly, reversing the traditional outward-expansion model to an inward-supported model that maintains seal integrity under high pressure while enabling continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining the elastomeric seal material with rigid support elements (metal band, clamp members, and internal reinforcement structures). This composite construction allows the seal to maintain its sealing function under high pressure by distributing the pressure loads across multiple materials with complementary properties, preventing seal lip outward migration while maintaining continuous fluid flow.
2Ease of operation
If a seal assembly is designed to fit over existing bell-shaped joints or sleeve joints, then the joint can be sealed without disassembly, but the assembly becomes more complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the elastomeric seal portion, the metal band, the clamp members, and the internal support structures. Each segment performs a specific function (sealing, securing, clamping, or supporting), allowing the complex assembly to be manufactured, installed, and maintained more easily despite its multi-component nature. The segmentation enables in-place repair capability while managing device complexity through functional specialization.
3Reliability
If the seal is clamped tightly to prevent outward migration, then seal reliability improves, but the risk of crushing the seal or pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with differentiated local properties: the inner surface features a smooth, seal-protective finish to prevent crushing the elastomeric seal, while the outer surface provides sufficient clamping force to prevent outward migration. This local quality variation allows the same component to simultaneously protect the seal from damage while maintaining reliable sealing under high pressure, balancing seal stability with component integrity.
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 assembly provides a reliable and non-disruptive method to seal leaks in both bell and sleeve joints, maintaining pipeline integrity under high pressure without the need for flow interruption.
Implementation Method 1
two elastomeric partial rings, which when wrapped around the leaking joint and clamped as described herein, provide a hydraulic seal
Implementation Method 2
two elastomeric partial rings
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for pipe coupling encapsulation includes placing two elastomeric partial rings (12) around pipes (3, 4; 5, 6) on opposite sides of a leaking joint coupling (1, 2), taking a repair coupling (14), which includes a band (16) and opposing clamp members (18) extending outwards from ends of the band, and placing the band (16) around the leaking joint coupling (1, 2) such that opposite end portions of the band overlie the elastomeric partial rings (12), and tightening the opposing clamp members (18) towards each other with one or more tightening elements (22).