Pipe Coupler Bonding Surface for Symmetrical Joint Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of underground pipe systems is time-consuming and prone to structural imbalance and accidental de-coupling due to uneven threading and lack of a secure joint, leading to potential system collapse under loading conditions.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with internal and external threads on both ends, combined with a coupler bonding surface and adhesive application to form a bonded joint, ensuring a strong and symmetrical connection between pipe sections, preventing accidental de-coupling and enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded coupling is used to connect pipe sections, then the pipe system can be assembled and disassembled, but the assembly process is time-consuming and the connection is prone to structural imbalance and accidental de-coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two coupling mechanisms into a single integrated coupler: threaded coupling for assembly/disassembly and bonding surface with adhesive for permanent bonding. This merging allows the system to benefit from both reversible and irreversible connection methods simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler uses composite joining methods combining mechanical threads with chemical adhesive bonding. The bonding surface is treated with primer and adhesive to create a composite joint that merges mechanical interlocking with chemical bonding, achieving both ease of assembly and high reliability.
2Strength
If threaded coupling is used without bonding surface, then the coupler structure is simpler, but the connection is weaker and prone to collapse under loading
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding surface is created only in the central region of the coupler between the threaded portions, while the threaded portions remain unchanged. This localized application of bonding technology strengthens the connection where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire coupler structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding surface is prepared in advance on the coupler before assembly, and the pipe bonding surfaces are also pre-prepared. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the threaded coupling is made, the bonding surfaces are already ready to form a strong adhesive joint, increasing load-bearing capacity without adding operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If bonding surface is added to the coupler, then the connection strength and symmetry are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding surface is localized to the central region of the coupler, creating a symmetrical structure that improves manufacturing precision. The symmetrical bonding surfaces on both sides of the coupler ensure uniform load distribution and balanced connection, while the localized nature keeps manufacturing relatively simple.
4Reliability
If uneven threading is present in the coupler, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the connection is prone to structural imbalance and accidental de-coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that the two threaded portions of the coupler may have different numbers of threads (asymmetric threading), but compensates for this asymmetry by introducing a symmetrical bonding surface structure. The bonding surfaces are positioned symmetrically relative to the coupler center, which balances the overall connection and prevents structural imbalance despite asymmetric threading.
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 bonded joint provides a secure, symmetrical, and strong connection that prevents accidental de-coupling and increases the load-bearing capacity of the pipe system, reducing the risk of collapse and simplifying assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a) applying a bonding agent on the coupler bonding surface and the fixed pipe bonding surface, so as to bond the coupler and the fixed pipe to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to a coupler (106) for a pipe system. The coupler (106) has a first end (108) to receive one end (136) of a fixed pipe (102) and a second end (110) to receive one end of a removable pipe (104). The first end (108) is provided with first internal threads (116) corresponding to first external threads (118) on the one end (136) of the fixed pipe (102). Further, the second end (110) is provided with second internal threads (114) corresponding to second external threads (120) on the one end of the removable pipe (104). The coupler (106) has a coupler bonding surface (122) on an internal surface between a central region (138) of the coupler (106) and the first internal threads (116) of the first end (108). The coupler bonding surface (122) corresponds to a fixed pipe bonding surface (126) of the fixed pipe (102).