Conical Pipe Coupling Assembly for Leak-Resistant Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical couplings for joining pipe elements end-to-end are bulky, expensive, and prone to leaks, especially in threaded systems, which require high torque and expose weak points to corrosion, while current solutions with fluorinated elastomers are prohibitively costly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling assembly featuring inwardly and outwardly facing conical surfaces with adjustable retaining rings and fasteners, using smaller, cost-effective seals like graphite for high-temperature applications, and a method for installing seals within fittings using seating and deforming tools to ensure a secure, fluid-tight joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical couplings with arcuate surfaces are used to join pipe elements, then the joint provides mechanical restraint under high pressure, but the coupling assembly becomes bulky and increases the center-to-end dimension of the fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved conical surfaces instead of traditional arcuate surfaces. The first coupling member has an inwardly facing conical surface, and the second coupling member has an outwardly facing conical surface, creating a tapered interference fit that provides mechanical restraint while reducing overall coupling volume and center-to-end dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling surfaces from cylindrical arcuate profiles to conical tapered profiles. This parameter change allows the coupling to achieve the same mechanical restraint function with reduced volume by utilizing the taper angle to distribute loads more efficiently across the interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded fittings are used to join pipe elements, then the connection can be disassembled, but the system suffers from high initial leak rates and requires high torque for connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary element between the two coupling members. This seal fills the interface gap and prevents leakage, while the conical surfaces provide the mechanical connection. The assembly can be disassembled and reassembled with the seal maintaining its sealing function, thus achieving both disassembly capability and leak prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the coupling members provide structural strength and mechanical restraint, while the seal member (made from elastomeric or other sealing materials) provides leak prevention. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both reliability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If fluorinated elastomer seals are used in mechanical couplings, then the seal provides excellent chemical resistance and durability, but the coupling assembly becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the seal from expensive fluorinated elastomers to more cost-effective alternatives such as standard elastomeric materials or graphite. The conical surface geometry compensates for any performance differences by providing superior mechanical restraint and seal compression, maintaining reliability while reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive seal materials that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on expensive long-life fluorinated elastomers. The design allows for economical seal replacement while the robust conical interface ensures continued mechanical restraint and sealing effectiveness.
4Weight of moving object
If thin-walled pipe elements are used in the system, then the piping network weight is reduced, but threaded systems cannot be used as they require sufficient pipe thickness for thread cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the pipe elements entirely. Instead of cutting threads into the pipe walls, the coupling members provide the external threading and fastening mechanism. This allows thin-walled pipes to be used since the structural integrity is maintained by the coupling members rather than requiring thick pipe walls for thread formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection function into separate components: the thin-walled pipe elements maintain fluid flow, while the separate coupling members provide the mechanical connection and fastening. This segmentation allows the pipes to be optimized for their primary function (lightweight fluid transport) while the couplings handle the connection requirements.
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and leak-resistant joint that can handle high pressures and temperatures, allowing for the use of thin-walled pipes and eliminating the need for multiple couplings, thus reducing material costs and improving joint stiffness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The outwardly facing conical surface is sized to interfit within the opening and engage the inwardly facing conical surface of the fitting
Implementation Method 2
A seal is positioned between the inwardly and outwardly facing conical surfaces
Implementation Method 3
A fastener extends between the apertures of the first and second lugs for connecting the retaining ring to the fitting. The fastener is adjustably tightenable for drawing the retaining ring toward the fitting and thereby forcing the end portion into engagement with the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling assembly including a fitting having an opening surrounded by an inwardly facing conical surface. A pipe element has an end portion with an outwardly facing conical surface that fits within the opening and engages the inwardly facing conical surface. A shoulder is positioned on the pipe element. A retaining ring surrounds the pipe element and engages the shoulder. A fastener connects the retaining ring to the fitting. The fastener is adjustably tightenable to draw the retaining ring toward the fitting and force the pipe end portion into engagement with the fitting. One or more seals may be positioned between the engaged conical surfaces. The seal may be made of graphite for high temperature applications. An adapter ring that fits between the pipe and the fitting is also disclosed. The adapter ring has conical surfaces that engage the conical surfaces of the pipe and the fitting.