Split End Ring Assembly for Anti-Slip Gasket Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Common one-bolt pipe couplings experience gasket bridge shifting during installation, leading to gasket liberation and failure to seal due to sharp ends engaging the end ring as the pipe coupling is tensioned.
Innovation Solution
A gasket bridge with anti-slip features, including ramps and a projection, is designed to engage with the end ring, preventing movement of the gasket assembly relative to the bridge and ensuring a secure seal by compressing the gasket against the pipe element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the gasket bridge has sharp ends to engage the end ring during tensioning, then the gasket bridge can be securely positioned, but the sharp ends cause the gasket bridge to shift and the gasket to liberate
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket bridge is designed with different geometries at different locations: the first and second ends have rounded profiles for smooth engagement with the end ring, while the middle portion has a projection extending toward the gasket. This local differentiation allows the bridge to be securely positioned without shifting, while the projection prevents gasket liberation, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning stability and sealing reliability.
2Strength
If the gasket bridge is tensioned to secure the gasket, then the seal should be strengthened, but the sharp ends cause the gasket bridge to shift resulting in failure to seal
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket bridge features rounded ends for smooth engagement and tensioning without shifting, while the middle portion includes a projection that prevents gasket liberation. This localized geometric differentiation allows the bridge to be tensioned effectively to strengthen the seal while maintaining position stability and preventing shifting.
3Device complexity
If the gasket bridge uses a simple bridge structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gasket can extrude through the gap and liberate during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket bridge maintains a relatively simple overall structure but incorporates a projection at the middle portion that extends toward the gasket. This localized feature prevents gasket extrusion and liberation without significantly increasing device complexity, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket bridge is segmented into distinct functional zones: the first and second ends with rounded profiles for engagement, the middle portion with a projection for gasket retention, and the body for structural support. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function effectively, preventing gasket liberation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An end ring assembly includes a split ring defining an outer ring surface, an inner ring surface, a first ring end and a second ring end, the first ring end and second ring end defining a gap therebetween; a gasket bridge defining an outer bridge surface, an inner bridge surface, the gasket bridge further defining a first bridge end, a second bridge end, and a middle portion therebetween, the middle portion of the gasket bridge extending between the first ring end and the second ring end, the first bridge end and second bridge end engaging the inner ring surface, a first ramp extending from the first bridge end; and a primary gasket defining a primary outer sealing surface and a primary inner sealing surface, the primary outer sealing surface engaging the inner ring surface and the inner bridge surface.