Closable Pipe Coupling With Flexible Wall Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe shut-off mechanisms, such as those using flaps, valves, or stopcocks, often result in discontinuities in the pipe design, increased installation costs, maintenance requirements, and susceptibility to failures during the transport of liquids and slurries.
Innovation Solution
A closable pipe coupling featuring a dimensionally stable hollow profile with a flexible closure element and a cover element, where the flexible closure element's deformability is greater than the cover element's, allowing for hydraulic or pneumatic control to selectively open or close the medium passage with minimal disruption to the pipe's design and low risk of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing shut-off means (flaps, valves, stopcocks) are used, then flow regulation is achieved, but discontinuity in pipe wall design occurs and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is integrated directly into the hollow profile wall structure, merging the shut-off function with the pipe wall itself. This eliminates the need for separate valves or stopcocks that would create discontinuities, while still providing effective flow regulation through the closure element's movement between open and closed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow profile serves multiple functions: it provides structural support as a pipe wall, contains the medium passage, and integrates the closure element for flow regulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation for flow control.
2Ease of operation
If existing shut-off means are installed, then flow control is possible, but maintenance requirements increase and susceptibility to failures rises
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the closure element directly into the hollow profile wall, the invention eliminates multiple separate components that would require maintenance. The merged structure reduces potential failure points while maintaining effective flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to operate within the hollow profile structure itself, utilizing the profile's own geometry and material properties. This self-contained design reduces dependency on external maintenance mechanisms and minimizes failure risk compared to traditional valves requiring separate actuation and sealing components.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible closure element is used to cover the opening, then the passage can be obstructed, but the closure element may create resistance to medium flow
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is positioned specifically at the opening location within the hollow profile wall, providing obstruction capability only where needed. The rest of the hollow profile maintains its continuous, smooth inner wall design that minimizes resistance to medium flow, thus achieving local control without global flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing dynamic control of the passage. When open, it minimizes flow resistance; when closed, it provides effective obstruction. This dynamic capability enables flow control without permanent resistance to medium passage.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the hollow profile has a continuous inner wall, then design continuity is maintained, but the opening for closure creates a discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is merged into the hollow profile wall structure, with the opening integrated as part of the overall continuous design. The closure element itself becomes part of the wall continuum, minimizing visual and structural discontinuity while providing the necessary opening for flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element functions as a flexible component within the hollow profile wall, allowing it to conform to the profile's geometry and maintain design continuity. The flexible nature enables it to seal effectively at the opening while preserving the overall continuous appearance and structure of the hollow profile.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and robust pipe coupling that can be easily controlled to regulate flow rates, reducing the risk of soiling and wear, while maintaining a continuous pipe wall design and minimizing obstruction during operation.
Implementation Method 1
the deformability of the flexible closure element, at least at the location of the opening in the profile, is greater than the deformability of the cover element... the flexible closure element deforms in such a way that it obstructs the passage of the profile to a greater or lesser extent
Implementation Method 2
supplying or discharging a medium (a liquid or gas) to or from the medium-tight space, it is possible to move the flexible closure element... the supplying of medium to the medium-tight space increases the pressure in this space
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closable pipe coupling for a medium passage, provided with a dimensionally stable hollow profile over a part of the length, an opening being made in the wall of said profile, a flexible closure element which completely covers the opening, and a cover element which covers the flexible closure element at the location of the opening, such that a medium-tight space to which a medium passage connects is situated between the flexible closure element and the cover element at the location of the opening in the profile. The invention also relates to a method for using such a pipe coupling.