Friction-Based Duct Coupler for Concrete Segment Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling ducts in concrete segments are time-consuming, require intricate mechanical fasteners, and use costly, environmentally unfriendly materials, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in sealing and assembling concrete structures.
Innovation Solution
A duct coupling system comprising a hollow body with coupler seals and apertures, along with transition members and a coupling device that frictionally seals and connects ducts, allowing for efficient assembly and sealing of concrete segments with reduced material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical fasteners and sealing materials are used to couple ducts, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fasteners with a friction-based coupling system. The ducts are coupled through friction between their outer surfaces and the coupling member, eliminating the need for bolts, screws, or other mechanical fastening mechanisms. This substitution dramatically reduces assembly time while maintaining structural integrity through proper friction design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling member as an intermediary component between adjacent ducts. This coupling member facilitates the connection by providing a friction-based interface that seals and joins ducts without requiring direct mechanical fastening between the ducts themselves, simplifying the assembly process.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing materials are used at duct joints, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, cost-effective sealing elements that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. The sealing mechanism uses basic friction-based contact between duct surfaces and the coupling member, eliminating the need for expensive specialized sealing materials while maintaining effective sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces costly chemical or complex mechanical sealing systems with a friction-based mechanical contact system. The sealing effectiveness is achieved through proper friction and contact pressure between the coupling member and duct surfaces, eliminating the need for expensive sealing compounds or intricate sealing mechanisms.
3Strength
If intricate mechanical fasteners are used to couple ducts, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and ease of assembly worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intricate mechanical fastening systems with a friction-based coupling mechanism. The structural strength is maintained through properly designed friction interfaces between the coupling member and ducts, eliminating the need for complex assemblies of bolts, nuts, washers, and other fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex fastening components from the coupling system. By eliminating bolts, screws, and other mechanical fasteners, the design achieves structural strength through simplified friction-based contact, reducing device complexity while maintaining the necessary coupling strength.
4Reliability
If conventional duct coupling methods are used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of construction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical fastening operations with a rapid friction-based coupling method. The ducts can be quickly connected through simple friction contact without the need for threading, tightening, or assembling multiple fastening components, dramatically improving construction productivity while maintaining sealing reliability through proper friction design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to preliminarily establish the friction-based connection between ducts before final positioning. This preliminary friction contact allows for quick initial coupling that maintains sealing reliability, enabling faster construction productivity compared to methods requiring progressive fastening operations.
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 system improves sealing efficiency, reduces assembly time, and lowers manufacturing costs while enabling easier customization for various applications, enhancing the durability and structural integrity of concrete structures.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler seal configured to seal an annular space between a first surface of the duct coupling device and a surface of one of the first and second ducts
Data Source
AI summary
Coupler devices, systems, and related methods for coupling ducts are provided. In some aspects, a duct coupling device includes a hollow body, at least one coupler seal disposed about an outer surface of the body, and a plurality of apertures extending through the body for facilitating the passage of a fluid and/or any other medium therethrough. A duct coupling system includes a duct coupling device with a sealing member, coupler transitions adapted to receive the duct coupling device, and a sealing member. The sealing member is configured to seal an annular space disposed between a first surface of the duct coupling device and a surface of one of the first and second ducts. A method of coupling ducts includes providing a first coupler transition on a first duct, providing a second coupler transition on a second duct, and providing a duct coupling device between the first and second coupler transitions.