Conductive Pipe Coupling for Static Earthing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic couplings for pipes create an electrical break, necessitating separate earthing of metal pipes in explosion-sensitive environments, leading to increased costs and risks due to external bridging solutions that are complex and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A coupling with an internally fitted, electrically conductive bridge featuring elastically deformable clamping elements that establish an electrical connection between pipes, ensuring effective earthing without separate grounding of each pipe, and protecting the bridge from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic couplings are used to connect metal pipes, then the coupling is cheaper to produce and more corrosion-resistant, but an electrical break is created requiring separate earthing of each pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the coupling function with the earthing function by integrating an electrically conductive bridge directly into the coupling body. This allows the coupling to simultaneously perform mechanical connection and electrical continuity, eliminating the need for separate external bridging components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical connection of pipes, sealing against leaks, and providing electrical continuity through the integrated conductive bridge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate earthing components and simplifies the overall system.
2Reliability
If external bridges are used to bridge the electrical break at plastic couplings, then electrical continuity is restored, but additional work and facilities are required for construction and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive bridge is merged with the coupling body as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate installation steps. The bridge is positioned and fixed within the coupling during manufacturing, so no additional facilities or procedures are needed at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive bridge is pre-positioned and secured within the coupling body during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the coupling is installed, electrical continuity is automatically provided without requiring any additional construction or installation work.
3Reliability
If external bridges are used for earthing, then electrical continuity is achieved, but the bridges are exposed to risk of accidental damage or sabotage
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive bridge is nested within the protective housing of the coupling body, which shields it from external damage or sabotage. The bridge is positioned inside the coupling where it is protected by the coupling's external structure, eliminating exposure to harmful external factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body provides pre-established protection for the conductive bridge against accidental damage or sabotage. This protective enclosure is built into the coupling design from the outset, cushioning the bridge from external threats before they can occur.
4Reliability
If separate earthing of each metal pipe is implemented, then static electricity can be conducted away, but costs and working hours increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling merges the earthing function into its structure through the integrated conductive bridge, allowing continuous earthing of the entire pipe system through a single component. This eliminates the need for separate earthing operations at each coupling point, substantially reducing installation time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling serves as both a mechanical connector and an earthing component through the integrated bridge, providing universal functionality that eliminates the need for separate earthing operations. This multi-functionality maintains reliable static electricity conduction while dramatically improving installation efficiency.
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
Facilitates easy assembly, ensures reliable electrical contact, reduces costs by eliminating the need for external bridging, and enhances safety by internalizing the electrical connection, thus preventing accidental damage and ensuring consistent clamping force.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element at the location of a seat, which is elastically deformable in the radial direction with respect to the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connecting pipe ends, comprising a hollow body with an entrance for each pipe end provided with a radial seat for a pipe end and a coupling nut for clamping the pipe end, whereby an electrically conductive bridge is provided, which at the location of the seats is provided with a clamping element that is elastically deformable in the radial direction with respect to the respective seat, and is provided with a contact section, which in a rest situation is at a distance from the axis of the seat that is smaller than an outside radius of the pipe end for which the seat concerned is intended.