Foldable Pipe Coupling Seal for Variable Pipe Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings with elastomeric seal assemblies struggle to effectively seal against pipes of varying diameters, as they often require multiple gaskets or compromise on sealing performance when switching between smaller and larger diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling with a clamp housing and an annular seal that has a foldable portion which, when folded inwards, creates a first inner diameter and when unfolded outwards, creates a second inner diameter larger than the first, utilizing mating annular ridges and grooves for secure sealing and hydraulic pressure enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple gaskets are used to seal against different pipe diameters, then the sealing performance for various diameters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly incorporates a flexible membrane that can dynamically change its configuration between folded and unfolded states. This dynamic flexibility allows a single seal to adapt to different pipe diameters, replacing the need for multiple rigid gaskets and reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seal assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between folded and unfolded configurations. When folded, it seals smaller pipes; when unfolded, it seals larger pipes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized gaskets, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Device complexity
If a single seal is used for range of pipe diameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal's effective inner diameter parameter is changed by folding or unfolding the membrane portion. This parameter change allows the same physical seal to match different pipe outer diameters, ensuring reliable sealing performance across a range of sizes without requiring multiple seals with different fixed dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates a flexible membrane portion that can be folded or unfolded to adjust the inner diameter. This flexibility allows the thin film structure to adapt its shape and size to match different pipe diameters, maintaining effective sealing contact without compromising reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is made adjustable for different diameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into a fixed portion and a flexible membrane portion that can be independently folded or unfolded. This segmentation allows the membrane to be adjusted for different diameters while the fixed portion remains stable, making the adjustment operation simpler and more intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the seal outward to increase diameter, the membrane is folded inward to reduce the inner diameter for smaller pipes. This inverted approach of folding rather than expanding simplifies the adjustment mechanism and makes the seal easier to operate across different size ranges.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
Pipe coupling (10) comprising : a clamp housing (14) comprising at least one end (16) having two opposing clamp members (18) and one or more tightening elements (20) for tightening said clamp members (18) towards each other in a direction transverse to an axial length of said clamp housing (14) so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on a pipe (22) being clamped in said clamp housing (14); and an at least partially annular seal (12) mounted in said at least one end (16) of said clamp housing (14), said seal (12) having a folded-inwards configuration in which a foldable portion (24) of said seal (12) is folded inwards to create a first inner diameter, and a folded-outwards configuration in which said foldable portion (24) of said seal (12) is unfolded outwards to create a second inner diameter larger than said first inner diameter.