Fitting Draw Mechanism for Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplings with series of parallel bolts are cumbersome to install and require incremental tightening around the circumference, making them time-consuming and difficult to use in field conditions, especially when pipes are not axially aligned.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a draw mechanism that uses a primary actuation element to axially translate secondary actuation elements and a sealing member, allowing for easy installation with a single bolt and accommodating varying pipe sizes and shapes, while providing both sealing and restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe couplings use a series of parallel bolts distributed circumferentially, then the coupling can achieve proper sealing, but the installation becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the restraint function. The seal member is divided into a sealing portion and a restraint portion, allowing independent optimization of each function while simplifying the overall installation process to require only a single bolt
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member and restraint elements are merged into a single integrated component that performs both sealing and axial restraint functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms and multiple bolts
2Reliability
If conventional couplings require incremental tightening of multiple bolts around the circumference, then sealing can be achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is pre-configured with engagement features that automatically align with the pipe and restraint elements upon insertion, eliminating the need for incremental adjustment during installation while ensuring proper seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The draw mechanism automatically draws the seal member and restraint elements into their proper engaged positions when the single bolt is tightened, eliminating the need for manual incremental tightening of multiple bolts
3Reliability
If conventional couplings use multiple bolts for axial restraint, then pipe restraint is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint elements are integrated with the seal member into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall coupling structure while maintaining effective axial restraint capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the joint, providing axial restraint through integrated restraint elements, and guiding pipe insertion, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional couplings are designed for specific pipe sizes, then sealing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying pipe sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed with flexible or adjustable characteristics that allow it to adapt to different pipe sizes and shapes while maintaining effective sealing, transitioning from a fixed-size design to a dynamic adaptation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design accommodates multiple pipe sizes and materials through the versatile seal member and restraint elements that can adjust to various dimensions, making the coupling universally applicable across different pipe specifications
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces the space required for installation, and ensures consistent coupling and sealing even with misaligned pipes, improving ease of use and reducing installation time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The draw mechanism is linked to the bolt mechanism that translates the perpendicular tightening force of the bolt mechanism into a pulling force that parallels the seal's path of travel
Implementation Method 2
The draw mechanism includes a cam surface that engages with a follower element to convert rotational motion into axial motion of the seal
Implementation Method 3
The barrel portion has an inside tapered surface that converges around an axis, in a direction moving toward the open end of the barrel portion. The draw mechanism pulls the annular seal axially outward, against the tapered surface, and wedges the seal between the tapered surface and pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting includes a hollow body, a sealing member, and a draw mechanism. The fitting mechanism includes a primary actuation element coupled with the body at a first end, and a plurality of secondary actuation elements coupled to the sealing member. The plurality of secondary actuation elements are positioned in an interior of the hollow body and circumferentially spaced from each other. The plurality of secondary actuation elements are also engaged with the primary actuation element such that actuation of the primary actuation element draws the plurality of secondary actuation elements axially towards the opening at the first end of the hollow body thereby translating the sealing member from an open position to a sealing position.