Pipe Coupling Gasket Assembly With Anti-Slip Bridge Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Common one-bolt pipe couplings with gasket bridges experience 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 projections, is designed to engage with the end ring, preventing movement of the gasket assembly and ensuring a secure seal by compressing the gasket between the split ring and the coupling body.
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 secured in position, but the sharp ends cause the gasket to shift and liberate, resulting in sealing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket bridge end is segmented into multiple engagement features: a primary sharp end portion for initial engagement with the end ring, and a secondary rounded portion for maintaining engagement without damaging the gasket. This segmentation allows the bridge to be secured in position while preventing gasket shift and liberation, thus resolving the contradiction between position stability and sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the gasket bridge end have different geometric qualities: the primary engagement portion has sharp edges for effective engagement with the end ring during tensioning, while the secondary portion has rounded edges that contact the gasket gently. This local quality differentiation enables the bridge to be secured without causing gasket damage or shift, resolving the contradiction between securing effectiveness and sealing reliability
2Strength
If the gasket bridge is tensioned to secure the pipe coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the gasket bridge shifts causing gasket liberation and sealing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket bridge is designed with pre-formed engagement features (sharp primary ends and rounded secondary ends) that are prepared in advance to engage with the end ring and gasket respectively. This preliminary configuration ensures that during tensioning, the bridge engages correctly without shifting, maintaining position stability while achieving the required coupling strength
Solution Approach 2:
The rounded secondary end portion of the gasket bridge acts as an intermediary between the sharp primary end (which engages the end ring for strength) and the gasket (which requires gentle contact). This intermediary feature transfers the tensioning force smoothly without causing gasket shift, resolving the contradiction between coupling strength and position stability
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket assembly includes a primary gasket defining an outer sealing surface and an inner sealing surface opposite the outer sealing surface; and a secondary gasket disposed radially inward of the primary gasket, the secondary gasket defining a secondary outer sealing surface and a secondary inner sealing surface, the secondary outer sealing surface engaging the outer sealing surface of the primary gasket; wherein: one of the inner sealing surface of the primary gasket and the secondary outer sealing surface of the secondary gasket defines an engagement groove; the other one of the inner sealing surface of the primary gasket and the secondary outer sealing surface of the secondary gasket defines an engagement flange; and the engagement flange engages the engagement groove to prevent the secondary gasket from sliding axially relative to the primary gasket.