Quick Conduit Coupling With Clamp Ring and Elastomer Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit coupling systems for connecting fluid-conveying conduits, particularly in offshore environments, are cumbersome and costly due to the need for special geometrical shapes and require numerous tools and parts, leading to inefficiencies in installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A quick coupling system utilizing a seal ring with elastomer seals and a two-piece clamp ring to create a fluid-tight connection between conduits without the need for bolted flanges or special end configurations, reducing the number of tools and parts required and minimizing corrosion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted flange configurations are used to connect conduits, then the connection is secure and fluid-tight, but the installation is cumbersome, costly, and requires numerous tools and parts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate modular components: a coupling body with internal sealing surfaces, removable end caps with external sealing surfaces, and gaskets. This segmentation allows for simpler individual parts that assemble into a reliable connection without requiring complex bolted flanges
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate element (gasket) that can be independently replaced and maintained. The gasket is taken out from the traditional integrated flange design, allowing for simpler connection geometry while maintaining fluid-tight integrity through the dedicated sealing component
2Reliability
If special geometrical shapes are required at conduit ends for connection, then the connection can be secured, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection geometry is segmented between the coupling body and removable end caps, allowing standard cylindrical conduit ends to be used. The complex connection geometry is provided by the coupling components rather than requiring special conduit end shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing and connection functions are extracted from the conduit end geometry itself and provided by separate coupling components. This allows conduits to maintain simple, easy-to-manufacture cylindrical ends while achieving secure connections through the coupling system
3Reliability
If traditional coupling systems with numerous parts are used, then the connection is secure, but the installation and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses segmented modular components that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The removable end caps allow for rapid installation by simply fitting them into the coupling body, and quick removal for maintenance without complex fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate replaceable gasket, allowing for quick maintenance by simply replacing the gasket rather than disassembling the entire coupling. This extraction of the sealing element significantly reduces maintenance time while maintaining connection security
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
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system for quickly connecting fluid conveying conduits.