Pre-Assembled Flexible Hose Coupling for Single-Worker Pipe Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single worker to align and secure pipe elements using slip-on pipe couplings efficiently, often requiring multiple workers, which reduces assembly efficiency and increases man-hours in piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled coupling assembly featuring a flexible hose adapter with a raised lip and sealing surface, and a coupling with a gasket, allowing for easy alignment and retention of the coupling on the adapter, enabling single-handed assembly and secure connection of pipe elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slip-on pipe couplings are used to connect pipe elements, then the connection can be secured, but it requires multiple workers to align and secure the pipe elements efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled with the flexible hose adapter before installation, with the gasket pre-positioned and the coupling in a relaxed position. This preliminary preparation allows the entire assembly to be installed as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple workers to align separate components during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed to be retained on the flexible hose adapter in a relaxed position, with the gasket nested within the coupling bore. The pre-assembled coupling assembly is then inserted as a complete unit into the pipe element, similar to nested dolls, simplifying the installation process to a single-action operation.
2Reliability
If multiple workers cooperate to couple pipe elements together, then the alignment and securing can be achieved, but the man hours required to assemble the piping system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling, gasket, and flexible hose adapter are merged into a single pre-assembled unit. This combination ensures that all components are properly aligned and secured together before installation, maintaining connection reliability while reducing assembly time to a single insertion action performed by one worker.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is pre-assembled with the gasket positioned within the coupling bore and the flexible hose adapter attached in advance. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and secure connection without requiring multiple workers or extended assembly time during actual installation.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is retained on the flexible hose adapter in a relaxed position, then single-worker assembly is enabled, but the coupling must be designed with specific retention features
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket serves as an intermediary element between the coupling and the flexible hose adapter. The gasket is positioned within the coupling bore and engages with the adapter to retain the coupling in the relaxed position, providing a simple yet effective retention mechanism without requiring complex structural features.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed with a specific retention feature at the location where it interfaces with the flexible hose adapter. This localized design element provides the necessary retention functionality without adding overall complexity to the entire coupling structure, enabling single-worker assembly while maintaining design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible hose adapter configured for engagement with a coupling, the flexible hose adapter including an end piece, the end piece defining an inner end and an outer end, the end piece defining an axis extending from the inner end to the outer end, the end piece defining a raised lip, a sealing surface, and a groove, the raised lip axially positioned at the inner end, the sealing surface positioned between the raised lip and the groove; and a flexible hose attached to the outer end of the end piece.