Modular Double-Containment Pipe Coupling for Seal Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-containment pipe systems face high production and storage costs due to complex assembly processes, dimensional variability, and difficulty in verifying fluid-tight seals, leading to increased sales prices and instability under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A modular coupling assembly for double-containment pipe systems that allows separate connection and verification of inner and outer conduits, using interchangeable components adaptable to varying diameters, ensuring fluid-tight seals and stable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional double-containment couplings are used with fixed inner and outer coupling diameters, then fluid containment is achieved, but production cost and storage complexity increase significantly due to the need to store multiple variants
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into modular components: an inner coupling with a first opening for the inner pipe, an outer coupling with a second opening for the outer pipe, and a sealing element. These segments can be assembled in different configurations to accommodate various diameter requirements without needing to manufacture entirely different coupling variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed to serve multiple functions and accommodate multiple diameter combinations using the same basic components. The inner and outer couplings can be paired with different sealing elements to create universal fittings that work across various pipe diameter specifications, eliminating the need to store multiple specialized coupling types.
2Ease of manufacture
If inner and outer couplings are fastened together in a single piece before mounting, then assembly is simplified, but verification of fluid-tight seal becomes difficult as the connection is hidden by the outer pipe
Solution Approach 1:
A removable sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner and outer couplings. This sealing element can be installed and verified for proper sealing function before final assembly, allowing quality control inspection of the fluid-tight connection while maintaining the simplicity of the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is prepared and positioned in advance before final assembly of the coupling. This preliminary action allows for verification of seal integrity and proper installation before the outer pipe obscures the connection, ensuring quality control can be performed on the fluid-tight seal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of double-containment couplings are stored in warehouse to meet different diameter requirements, then adaptability to various pipe specifications is achieved, but storage cost and product price increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into standardized inner couplings, outer couplings, and sealing elements that can be mixed and matched. This segmentation allows a limited inventory of basic components to serve multiple diameter requirements, reducing the need to stock numerous complete coupling variants while maintaining adaptability to different pipe specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are designed with universal dimensions and interfaces that allow the same inner and outer coupling bodies to work with different sealing elements for various diameter combinations. This universality enables a reduced inventory of core components to meet diverse dimensional requirements, lowering storage costs while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling assembly (1) for a double-containment pipe system (100), said double-containment pipe system (100) comprising an inner pipe (20) for conveying a fluid, an outer containment pipe (10) arranged about said inner pipe (20) forming a cavity (30) between said inner pipe (20) and said outer pipe (10); wherein said coupling assembly (1) comprises: a coupling shell (80) comprising two half-shells (81, 82) removably couplable to each other fluid tight along at least one joining profile (85) between said two half-shells (81, 82), said two half-shells (81, 82) mutually defining an inner hollow compartment (83) adapted to accommodate part of said inner pipe (20), said coupling shell (80) defining a plurality of connection openings (86), each connection opening (86) of said plurality being divided, by said joining profile plane (85), into two opening portions, each belonging to one of said two half-shells, respectively; at least one connection bushing (50), each said at least one connection bushing (50) defining a central bushing axis (B-B), a first axial end portion (54) ending with a first free end (58), an opposite second axial end portion (55) ending with a second free end (59), an inner side surface (53) and an outer side surface (52), said second axial end portion (55) comprising connection means (62) for connecting said connection bushing (50) to a free end of a pipe element of said outer pipe (10), wherein said first axial end portion (54) and a respective connection opening of said plurality of connection openings (86) of said coupling shell (80) have mutually complementary shapes and comprise therebetween fluid-tight sealing means (71) and engagement means (72).