HDPE Pipe Repair Coupling With Separated Sealing and Tensile Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for connecting and repairing HDPE pipes face challenges such as difficulty in handling at high temperatures and humidity, low axial tensile strength, especially at higher nominal pressures, and complex construction, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a compact design featuring two coupling rings and a clamping sleeve, where the rings are arranged in a U-shaped flange bearing to separate tensile forces and sealing areas, providing enhanced axial tensile strength and ease of handling, allowing for connections and repairs regardless of weather conditions, including underwater, with adjustable gripping teeth and a sealing element made of EPDM or NBR rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a coupling device with multiple components is used to achieve axial tensile strength, then the axial tensile strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into functionally independent components: coupling rings for axial tensile strength, a clamping sleeve for sealing, and flange bearings for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the axial tensile strength function from the sealing function by placing coupling rings in flange bearings on opposite sides of the clamping sleeve. This spatial arrangement in three dimensions allows independent optimization of tensile strength and sealing without interference between functions.
2Ease of operation
If a compact design with fewer components is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the axial tensile strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rings and flange bearings are integrated into a unified structure where the flange bearings provide both structural support and mounting for the coupling rings. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining axial tensile strength through the coordinated action of the integrated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange bearings serve multiple functions: providing structural support, accommodating coupling rings, and enabling the compact design. This multi-functionality allows the device to achieve axial tensile strength with fewer components, improving ease of handling.
3Volume of moving object
If coupling rings are placed close to the clamping sleeve, then the device compactness is improved, but the handling difficulty increases at high temperatures and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rings are positioned asymmetrically in flange bearings on opposite sides of the clamping sleeve rather than symmetrically close to it. This asymmetric arrangement maintains compact volume while providing balanced weight distribution and stable handling characteristics even in adverse environmental conditions.
4Reliability
If the sealing area and tensile strength area are separated spatially, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the clamping sleeve with sealing element for sealing performance, and coupling rings in flange bearings for axial tensile strength. This segmentation ensures that gripping teeth on coupling rings cannot interfere with the sealing surface, maintaining reliable sealing while achieving the required tensile strength.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
In a device (1) for connecting and repairing pipe sections (R1; R2) of a pipe (R) comprising: at least one clamping sleeve (5) comprising an attachable sealing element (10) and a pipe clamp (9) surrounding the sealing element (10) for making the connection between the pipe sections (R1; R2) of a pipe (R); wherein the at least one clamping sleeve (5) is provided with sealing lips (11'; 11") arranged preferably at the end of the sealing element (10) for sealing between the pipe (R) and the clamping sleeve (5); and at least two coupling rings (2'; 2") in mechanical operative connection with the clamping sleeve (5) for attaching the coupling device (1) to the pipe (R); wherein the at least two coupling rings (2';2") have a u-, m- or v-shaped cross-section; wherein in a receiving area (A) of the at least two coupling rings (2';2") a plurality of gripping teeth (15'; 15") preferably arranged in at least one row are arranged;and wherein the at least two coupling rings (2'; 2") arranged on both sides of the clamping sleeve (5) are each received in a flanged bearing (3'; 3") having a cross-section, in particular a U-shaped cross-section, so that tensile forces acting on the pipe sections (R1; R2) are compensated in the installed state to form an axially tensile-resistant repair coupling; a coupling device for connecting and repairing pipe sections of a pipe is to be provided which has a simplified and compact design. This is achieved by having a third axial extension (z) of each coupling ring (2'; 2") relative to a second axial extension (y) of the clamping sleeve (5) in a ratio of preferably 1 to 5 to 10, more preferably 2 to 4 to 10, most preferably about 3 to 10.