Conduit Coupling With Sliding Adhesive Lock for Low-Excavation Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit coupling devices for repairing or modifying plastic tubing are difficult to install, require extensive excavation, and result in structurally compromised connections, making them time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A new conduit coupling device featuring a hybrid coupler with a partially open end that can be glued to existing tubing, allowing for direct insertion and gluing of a new section, along with a cap that forms a strong bond, reducing excavation needs and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized replacement couplings with mechanical connectors are used, then the tubing can be repaired or modified, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring extensive digging and preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional segments: a coupler body with opposing openings for receiving tubing ends, and a cap that covers the open end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining repair reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical connectors (metal straps, screws) from the coupling device, replacing them with a simplified structure that achieves secure tubing connection through the coupler body and cap design alone, thereby reducing installation difficulty
2Reliability
If specialized replacement couplings are used, then tubing repair is achieved, but extensive digging and excavation are required increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is pre-configured with opposing openings and internal structures that guide tubing insertion and alignment. The cap is pre-designed to fit over the open end, creating a ready-to-install assembly that reduces on-site preparation time and eliminates the need for extensive digging
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical connectors and flexible materials are used in specialized couplings, then tubing modification is enabled, but the connection becomes structurally compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs composite construction combining rigid materials for the coupler body and cap structure, creating a strong, structurally integrity connection that maintains tubing modification capability while eliminating the need for weaker mechanical connectors and flexible materials
4Reliability
If current specialized couplings are used, then tubing repair is possible, but the process becomes expensive due to labor and specialized components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as an affordable, potentially single-use component that replaces expensive specialized couplings with simpler, easier-to-manufacture parts, reducing both material and labor costs while maintaining effective tubing repair capability
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 enables faster, cheaper, and more robust conduit repairs and modifications with reduced excavation requirements, resulting in lower installation costs and improved structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a glue channel provided along a periphery of the arcuate cutout; and a cap having: an arcuate shape approximately coextensive with the arcuate cutout; and a glue ridge provided along a periphery of the arcuate shape, wherein the glue ridge is dimensioned to slidably be received in the glue channel
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit coupling device is provided for enabling a conduit coupling system and method. The conduit coupling device has two portions, a coupler and a cap, that adhere, respectively, to two separate conduits being coupled together. The coupler has a first tubular end and a second end that provides an arcuate cutout. The coupler provides an adhesive channel along the arcuate cutout. The inner surfaces of two ends engage outer surfaces of the two separate conduits, respectively. The cap is dimensioned and adapted to adhere to a portion of the outer surface of the second arcuate cutout conduit so as to provide an adhesive ridge there along. The adhesive ridge is dimensioned to be slidably received in the adhesive channel, thereby forming a locked engagement between the first and second conduits.