Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling Retention for Single-Worker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single worker to align and secure pipe elements within slip-on 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 pipe fitting with a raised lip and groove, where the coupling is retained on the pipe fitting in a relaxed position, allowing for easier alignment and secure attachment, and can be easily attached to another pipe fitting without tools, preventing accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple workers cooperate to couple pipe elements together, then alignment and securing of pipe elements is achieved, but assembly efficiency is reduced and man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting before installation, with the coupling already in the tensioned position. This preliminary action allows the pipe element to be simply inserted into the pre-positioned coupling, eliminating the need for multiple workers to align and secure components during assembly, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity
2Productivity
If a single worker attempts to align and secure pipe elements within coupling, then man-hours are reduced, but alignment and securing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting in the tensioned position, creating a ready-to-receive configuration. This preliminary preparation allows a single worker to simply insert the pipe element without the difficulty of alignment and securing, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled coupling acts as an intermediary component between the pipe fitting and the pipe element. It provides a pre-configured interface with alignment features and securing mechanisms already in place, enabling a single worker to easily connect components without manual alignment and securing operations
3Reliability
If coupling is not retained on pipe fitting in relaxed position, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but accidental disassembly occurs and connection security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling and pipe fitting features are designed with asymmetric geometry where the coupling in the tensioned position creates a retained configuration that prevents accidental disassembly. The asymmetric shapes provide inherent connection security through geometric interlocking without requiring additional retention mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding increased device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting configured for engagement with a coupling can include a first end, the pipe fitting defining a raised lip at the first end; and a second end disposed opposite from the first end, the pipe fitting defining a groove between the raised lip and the second end. A pre-assembled coupling assembly includes a coupling, the coupling defining a coupling bore extending through the coupling, the coupling including a gasket disposed within the coupling bore, the gasket being relaxed and uncompressed when the coupling is in a relaxed position; and a pipe fitting, the pipe fitting defining a first end and a second end, the first end inserted into the coupling bore, the coupling retained on the first end of the pipe fitting when the coupling is in the relaxed position.