Hinged Modular Pipe Coupling Withstands Water Hammer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional no-hub pipe clamps are inadequate in withstanding water hammer effects in vacuum sewerage systems, leading to potential pipe separation and pose safety risks due to sharp edges, which can cause injuries and damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular pipe coupling design featuring hinged clamp members made of flexible materials with ribs and arched hub portions that form a curved hub secured by a hose clamp, providing enhanced strength and safety through a hook and pin hinge mechanism and overlapping ribs to prevent gasket bunching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional no-hub pipe clamps are used, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the coupling is not strong enough to withstand water hammer effects and may fail under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple components: a first clamp member with a first clamp arm, a second clamp member with a second clamp arm, hinge portions connecting the arms, and a fastening device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing the required strength to withstand water hammer effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portions enable the clamp members to pivot and adapt dynamically to the pipe geometry and pressure conditions. This dynamic capability allows the coupling to maintain its clamping force under varying pressure conditions, including water hammer effects, while remaining relatively simple to install.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thin stainless steel shields are used in conventional couplings, then the material is durable, but the sharp edges pose safety risks to installers and the shield may become damaged during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are designed with a structure that eliminates sharp edges while maintaining durability. The flexible design of the clamp arms, connected by hinges, allows them to conform to the pipe shape without requiring sharp edges for installation, thereby improving installer safety while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rigid shield that requires forceful installation, the invention inverts the approach by using hinged clamp members that can be easily positioned and secured. This reversal of the installation method eliminates the safety hazard of sharp edges while maintaining the durability needed to withstand high pressure.
3Reliability
If conventional hose clamps are used to wrap around the shield and gasket, then the assembly is simple, but the coupling may separate under water hammer pressure surges
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into clamp members, hinge portions, and fastening devices, where each segment contributes to the overall reliability. The hinge portions specifically provide a reliable connection point that can withstand water hammer pressure surges while maintaining ease of assembly through their pivotable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge portions provide dynamic connectivity between clamp members, allowing the assembly to adapt to pressure variations while maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic feature enhances reliability under water hammer conditions without complicating the assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling that clamps onto an area adjacent the ends of abutting pipes. The pipe coupling includes first and second clamp members, and a fastener. The first clamp member is hinged to the second clamp member. Both the first and second clamp members are configured to pivotally wrap around a pipe. Each of the first and second clamp members also includes an arched hub portion configured such that when each of the clamp members engages each other the arched hub portions form an arcuate hub. The fastener is configured to couple the arched hub portions together thereby preventing the clamp members from opening.