Conduit Quick Coupling With Seal Ring and Clamp Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conduit coupling systems for connecting fluid-conveying conduits, particularly in offshore environments, are inefficient due to the need for complex geometries and multiple tools, leading to increased costs and susceptibility to corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A quick coupling system utilizing a seal ring with elastomer seals and a two-piece clamp ring to form a fluid-tight connection between conduits without requiring special end configurations, reducing the number of tools and parts needed for installation and minimizing corrosion risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional conduit coupling systems are used, then secure fluid-tight connection is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tight connectionVSAvoidcoupling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into separate male and female components, each with distinct functions. The male component includes a spigot end and gasket, while the female component has a bell end with receiving cavity. This segmentation allows for simpler individual parts that assemble into a reliable connection without requiring complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A gasket serves as an intermediary element between the male spigot end and female bell end. The gasket creates the fluid-tight seal without requiring the mating surfaces themselves to be perfectly sealed, simplifying the connection design while ensuring reliability. The gasket compensates for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional conduit coupling systems are used, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket is pre-installed on the male spigot end during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field installation of sealing elements. The bell end is pre-formed with the receiving cavity and positioning features. These preliminary actions during manufacturing reduce on-site installation time and complexity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system incorporates self-aligning and self-centering features through the bell-spigot geometry and gasket positioning. The male spigot automatically centers within the female bell during insertion, and the gasket self-seals against the bell face. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex alignment tools or procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If complex coupling geometries are used, then connection reliability is improved, but susceptibility to corrosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcorrosion susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling components are designed with homogeneous, simple geometries where possible. The bell and spigot ends use uniform cylindrical shapes with smooth transitions, avoiding complex geometries that create stress concentration points and corrosion initiation sites. The gasket material is selected to be homogeneous and resistant to degradation from fluid contact and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is implemented as a flexible sealing element that can accommodate minor dimensional variations and thermal expansion without creating high stress concentrations. The flexible nature of the gasket allows it to maintain the seal under varying conditions without requiring rigid, complex geometric constraints that would increase corrosion susceptibility in the rigid components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system enables rapid and secure connection/disconnection of conduits with fewer tools and parts, reducing installation time, cost, and susceptibility to corrosion, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal across a range of pressures and conduit materials.

Implementation Method 1

a seal ring that is designed to form a fluid-tight seal between the connected ends of the two conduits... The seal ring equipped with elastomer seals is then placed between each end ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11774016B1Quick coupling system for vertical fluid conveying conduits

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 AGI IND INC

AI summary

A coupling system for quickly connecting fluid conveying conduits.