Concave Bearing Surface Reduces Torque in Pipe Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require high torque to achieve a fluid-tight seal, making manual installation difficult and increasing battery consumption when using powered tools, especially for deformable couplings.
Innovation Solution
The use of concave bearing surfaces with a cone angle between 60 and 170 degrees, particularly 118 to 124 degrees, on connection members of pipe coupling segments reduces the torque required for assembly by increasing the contact surface area and distributing the force more evenly, allowing for easier engagement and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flat bearing surfaces are used on connection members, then the structural design is simple, but high torque is required to tighten fasteners and effect a fluid-tight seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional flat bearing surface with a concave bearing surface having a specific radius of curvature (R1) that is greater than the radius of the fastener (R2). This curved geometry allows the fastener to engage more effectively with the connection member, reducing the torque required to tighten the fastener while maintaining structural integrity and achieving a fluid-tight seal.
2Reliability
If high torque is applied to tighten fasteners, then a secure fluid-tight seal is achieved, but manual installation becomes difficult and battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concave bearing surface with radius of curvature R1 > R2 creates a more favorable stress distribution and reduces friction during fastener tightening. This allows the same seal quality to be achieved with lower torque input, thereby reducing battery consumption when using powered impact drivers or manual effort requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat bearing surfaces are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but friction during fastener tightening is high causing wear on fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The concave bearing surface geometry with radius of curvature R1 greater than fastener radius R2 reduces the contact pressure and friction during fastener rotation. This minimized friction significantly reduces wear on the fastener threads and bearing surfaces, extending the service life of both the coupling and fasteners.
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
This solution reduces the torque needed to assemble pipe joints by 50-60% compared to prior art couplings, facilitating manual installation and extending battery life when using powered tools, while also minimizing wear on fasteners and ensuring a secure, fluid-tight seal.
Implementation Method 1
reduces the torque required for assembly by increasing the contact surface area and distributing the force more evenly, allowing for easier engagement and reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A concave bearing surface for use with lugs of pipe coupling segments and a method of joining pipe ends. The concave bearing surface is positioned on the lug and surrounds an aperture which receives a fastener attaching the coupling segments together end to end surrounding pipe ends to be joined. Either the nut or the head of the fastener that engages the concave surface may be rotated to tighten the fastener. Engagement between the concave surface and the rotating member reduces the torque required to tighten the fastener and effect a stiff, fluid tight joint.