GRP Coupling Gasket Tabs to Prevent Rotation and Fall-Out

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) pipe couplings face issues with gaskets falling out and rotating during installation, leading to sealing failures and requiring additional tools for inspection, and specialized molds for production.

Innovation Solution

A sealing element with integrated gaskets featuring tabs on the base, designed to fit securely into channels within the coupling, preventing rotation and fall, and eliminating the need for separate molds and additional machinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gaskets are placed in flat or widening channels on the coupling, then the gasket can be installed, but the gasket may fall off during installation and rotation cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegasket installationVSAvoidgasket retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket is segmented with multiple protrusions (tabs) on its base structure. These tabs engage with corresponding features in the coupling channel, dividing the retention function into multiple contact points that prevent both falling and rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket base structure features asymmetric tab placement and configuration. The tabs are positioned and shaped to provide directional retention, preventing rotation in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions while maintaining easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If tape is used to attach gaskets to the coupling, then the gasket can be preserved until assembly, but additional materials and steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegasket retention during storageVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention function is extracted from external tapes or fasteners and integrated directly into the gasket base structure. The tabs are molded as part of the gasket, eliminating the need for separate retention materials and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized molds are used for each pipe diameter, then precise coupling production is achieved, but additional production machinery and molds are required for each diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling production precisionVSAvoidproduction machinery

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling channel design with standardized tab reception features is universal across different pipe diameters. A single mold can produce couplings that accommodate various gasket sizes, eliminating the need for diameter-specific molds and machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket tabs are designed with adjustable parameters such as length, width, and positioning that can be modified to fit different pipe diameters without changing the fundamental coupling channel structure or requiring different molds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4685378A1Sealing element in glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) couplings

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SUBOR BORU SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the glass fiber reinforced polyester (GTP) coupling for joining glass fiber reinforced polyester (GRP) pipes, characterized by comprising; integrated full-face gasket with tabs on the bottom that covers the pipe surface and provides sealing, tabs on the bottom of the integrated full-face gasket with tabs on the base, seal mounting channel on the coupling.