Multilayered Composite Pipe Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CPVC piping systems require significant downtime for modifications or repairs due to the need for solvent cement curing, which is irreversible and cannot correct misalignments, and they lack support for flexible CPVC pipes, necessitating additional material and installation time.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered composite pipe design with a metal intermediate layer sandwiched between inner and outer CPVC layers, using a coupling bushing with a mechanical fixture for sealing engagement, eliminating the need for solvent cement and providing necessary support without groove formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solvent cement techniques are used to couple CPVC pipe sections, then a permanent bond is formed, but the connection is irreversible and requires significant curing time causing system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (solvent cement) with a mechanical coupling system consisting of a coupling device with gripping elements that mechanically engage with the pipe sections. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical curing time while maintaining strong connections through mechanical interlocking forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates adjustable gripping elements that can dynamically adapt to different pipe positions and alignment conditions. The mechanical coupling allows for adjustment and correction of misalignments during installation, providing a dynamic solution rather than a fixed chemical bond.
2Strength
If solvent cement is used for pipe modifications, then a permanent bond is achieved, but the environment must be generally dry and the process cannot be reversed
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system replaces chemical solvent cement bonding, eliminating the requirement for dry environmental conditions. The mechanical engagement can be performed in various environmental conditions without concern for moisture affecting chemical curing, significantly increasing environmental flexibility and adaptability.
3Reliability
If CPVC pipes are used, then corrosion resistance and fire resistance are provided, but the pipes are flexible and require additional support material
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical connection between pipe sections, structural support for the flexible CPVC pipes, and alignment adjustment capabilities. By merging the support function into the coupling device itself, additional separate support structures are eliminated, reducing overall system complexity.
4Strength
If multilayered composite pipes with metal intermediate layer are used, then necessary support is provided while maintaining CPVC advantages, but groove formation breaks or delaminates the layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the groove formation step from the connection process entirely. Instead of creating grooves in the multilayered composite pipes, the coupling device uses gripping elements that engage with the outer surface of the pipes without requiring material removal or layer penetration, thus avoiding delamination while maintaining structural support.
5Ease of operation
If mechanical coupling is used to engage annular grooves in pipes, then solvent cement is avoided, but additional support material and installation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the mechanical connection function with the pipe support function into a single integrated component. The gripping elements provide both the mechanical engagement for reversible connection and the necessary structural support for flexible CPVC pipes, eliminating the need for separate support materials and reducing installation complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A fluid handling assembly includes a first pipe. The first pipe includes an inner layer made of a CPVC composition, an intermediate layer made of a metal at least partially surrounding the inner layer, and an outer layer made of a CPVC composition at least partially surrounding the intermediate layer. A first tubular coupling bushing has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to the first pipe. The second portion has an engaging portion that is configured to engage to a mechanical fixture that sealingly engages the first pipe and a second pipe. A method of making the fluid handling assembly is also disclosed.