Clamshell Pipe Seal Assembly with Elastomeric End Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair systems are complex and difficult to install, especially when the ends of the pipe are inaccessible, making it challenging to seal damaged sections or add junctions without cutting the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A two-part housing with elastomeric end seals and side runner seals that grip and surround the pipe, allowing for sealing without cutting, using a clamshell-like design that can be easily installed around damaged or spliced sections, and accommodating various types of pipes and conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe repair systems are used, then pipe sealing can be achieved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into two separate housing parts that can be independently positioned and clamped around the pipe. Each housing part contains its own sealing mechanism, allowing the system to be installed in sections rather than requiring complete disassembly or complex single-piece installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric end seals utilize elastic recovery to automatically generate sealing pressure when compressed between the housing parts and pipe surface. The seals self-adjust to pipe irregularities and maintain sealing force without external adjustment mechanisms, reducing system complexity while ensuring reliable sealing.
2Ease of operation
If pipe cutting is performed to enable sealing, then access to pipe ends is achieved, but the repair process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting the pipe to access ends for traditional sealing methods, the invention applies sealing from the outside by clamping housing parts around the pipe body. The elastomeric seals engage with the pipe external surface, eliminating the need for pipe cutting while achieving effective sealing of damaged sections.
3Ease of operation
If elastomeric end seals with slits are used, then the seals can be engaged transversely about the pipe, but the structural integrity of the seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material properties are selected to provide sufficient tensile strength and elastic recovery despite the presence of slits. The slit width, depth, and positioning are optimized to allow transverse engagement while maintaining adequate structural integrity under operating pressures and thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material inherently provides cushioning and stress distribution around the slit areas, preventing stress concentration that would compromise structural integrity. The material's elasticity absorbs thermal expansion and pressure fluctuations, protecting the sealed structure from damage.
4Reliability
If the housing is designed to grip and surround the pipe, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the adaptability to different pipe configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing parts and elastomeric seals are designed with universal dimensions and mounting configurations that can accommodate various pipe diameters, materials, and shapes. The elastomeric material adapts to different pipe surface characteristics, allowing the same basic design to effectively seal rigid pipes, flexible hoses, and various conduit types.
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 quick and effective sealing of damaged or spliced pipe sections and creation of junctions without cutting the pipe, supporting both high internal and external pressures, and allowing for thermal expansion, while being adaptable to different pipe materials and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-sectional area of each end seal in a relaxed condition is greater than the cross sectional area defined between the outer surface of the pipe and the annular recess in the housing when the housing is closed around the pipe. This means that the end seals are squeezed between the opposing surfaces of the pipe and housing when the two parts of the housing are secured around the pipe, whereby a sealing pressure is induced elastically between the inner and outer surfaces of the seal and the opposing surfaces of the pipe and groove.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-part housing grips and surrounds a portion of a pipe, with ports at first and second ends of the housing through which the pipe extends. An annular end seal of elastomeric material at each end of the housing provides a seal between the pipe and housing. The end seals each have one slit for allowing the seals to be engaged transversely over the pipe. Each port has an annular recess for enclosing the respective end seals. The cross-sectional area of each end seal in a relaxed condition is greater than the cross sectional area defined between the outer surface of the pipe and the annular recess in the housing when the housing is closed around the pipe, so that the end seals are squeezed between the opposing surfaces of the pipe and housing when the two parts of the housing are secured around the pipe. Face seals extend between the end seals on opposite sides of the housing to seal the intersection between the two housing parts.