Sealable Drain Pipe Coupling With Threaded Compression Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for roof drain inserts are unreliable due to the potential for leaks, as adhesives or caulking compounds can crack, and require complex screw tightening procedures that may lead to incomplete sealing if not properly executed.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical coupling device with integrated threads and a castle head for easy tool access, allowing for a single tightening operation that uniformly compresses a rubber seal between concentric pipes, ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adhesives or caulking compounds are used to seal the insert, then the installation is simple, but the seal reliability deteriorates due to potential cracking and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical sealing methods (adhesives and caulking compounds) with a mechanical sealing system consisting of a compression seal and threaded coupling mechanism. This mechanical system provides reliable sealing through physical compression forces rather than chemical bonding, eliminating the cracking and leakage issues associated with adhesive-based sealing while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the compression seal material (elastomeric or rubber) that deforms under compressive force to create a reliable seal. The seal material's physical properties change under compression, allowing it to conform to the pipe surfaces and maintain sealing integrity without the reliability issues of adhesive-based systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple screws are used to tighten the coupling, then the seal can be compressed uniformly, but the installation time and complexity increase due to multiple tightening operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple screw tightening operations into a single rotational operation. The threaded coupling mechanism distributes the compressive force uniformly around the circumference as the single threaded element rotates, eliminating the need for multiple separate screw tightening operations while maintaining uniform seal compression. This reduces installation time and complexity while preserving the uniformity of compressive force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded coupling mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the tightening force, distributes it uniformly around the seal, and maintains the compression during operation. This multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized fastening operations, reducing installation steps while ensuring proper seal compression.
3Strength
If multiple screws are used for tightening, then the coupling can be secured, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening elements into a single integrated threaded coupling mechanism. This single component provides the same security and holding strength as multiple screws would provide, while dramatically reducing the total number of parts. The threaded design distributes loads effectively and maintains coupling security with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded coupling element performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components: it provides mechanical strength, secures the insertion, distributes compressive forces, and maintains positioning. This multi-functional element reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving coupling 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
This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces the risk of leaks, and ensures uniform compressive force distribution for a better seal, while also being easier to manufacture and reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A cylindrical elastic body of rubber or similar material, is concentrically located around the articulated housing. The collars at the extreme ends of the housing hold the cylindrical elastic body at both ends. As the housing is tightened, the elastic body is compressed, and deforms to grip and seal an appropriately sized pipe interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus which forms a sealed joint between two pipes, particularly but not limited to roofing drain pipes. This apparatus includes a cylindrical body made of rubber or similar material that grips and seals two pipes when it is axially compressed by two halves of an articulated housing as they move towards each other. The two half bodies of the articulated housing are threaded to each other such that when one body is rotated in one direction, the bodies move towards each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the housing, and compressing/deforming the rubber seal.