Hinged Pipe Coupler Repair for Sealing Without Pipe Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing damaged water pipes often require cutting and repositioning pipe sections, which is time-consuming and costly, and involve complex installation of couplers.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system with hinged, half-cylindrical portions that snap together to form a sealed cylindrical covering over the damaged pipe, using adhesive sealant to ensure a tight fit without cutting or repositioning the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupler is installed to repair a damaged pipe, then the pipe can be sealed, but the pipe must be cut and repositioned which increases time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two complementary half-cylindrical portions that can be separately positioned and then joined together. This segmentation allows the repair system to be installed without cutting the pipe, as the halves can be positioned around the damaged area and then snapped together to form a complete seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair system transitions from a linear installation approach (cutting pipe sections and sliding coupler on) to a radial approach (positioning half-cylindrical portions around the pipe and closing them). This dimensional change eliminates the need to move pipe sections axially.
2Reliability
If a coupler is installed to repair a damaged pipe, then the pipe can be sealed, but the pipe must be cut and repositioned which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two complementary half-cylindrical portions that can be separately positioned and then joined together. This segmentation allows the repair system to be installed without cutting the pipe, as the halves can be positioned around the damaged area and then snapped together to form a complete seal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sliding the coupler onto the pipe from the ends (traditional method), the half-cylindrical portions are positioned around the pipe and closed together. This inverted approach eliminates the need to cut and reposition pipe sections.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe is cut and repositioned to install a coupler, then the coupler can be installed, but the repair becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into two complementary half-cylindrical portions that can be separately positioned and then joined together. This segmentation allows the repair system to be installed without cutting the pipe, as the halves can be positioned around the damaged area and then snapped together to form a complete seal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sliding the coupler onto the pipe from the ends (traditional method), the half-cylindrical portions are positioned around the pipe and closed together. This inverted approach eliminates the need to cut and reposition pipe sections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively seals the damaged pipe without cutting or repositioning, providing a quick and cost-effective repair by forming a latched, adhesive seal that prevents further leakage.
Implementation Method 1
it is treated with adhesive sealant on both halves
Implementation Method 2
two complementary, half-cylindrical, portions that are connected via a hinging fixture, and when positioned over the damaged portion, the halves then snap together forming a cylindrical seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a non-metallic pipe repair system that can surround and seal a damaged pipe without having to cut the pipe and/or move the pipe axially to install the pipe repair system.