Hinged Pipe Coupling Fastener for Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling technologies face challenges in providing a reliable, fluid-tight seal and easy assembly for connecting pipe segments, particularly in maintaining alignment and securing the connection while allowing for pivoting motion.
Innovation Solution
A hinged coupling system comprising two housing components with arcuate surfaces and a pivot fastener that can transition between aligned and skewed configurations, allowing for easy assembly and secure locking, utilizing a pin within the fastener's head portions to facilitate pivoting and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid fastening system is used to connect housing components, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly and ability to accommodate misalignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic hinged connection that allows pivoting motion. The hinge mechanism enables the fastener to accommodate misalignment between housing components during assembly, then locks into a secure closed position, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into multiple segments including a first element, a second element, and a hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function: the hinge provides pivoting motion for easy assembly, while the first and second elements provide secure locking for strong connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex machining process is used to ensure precise alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the fastener position to accommodate misalignment, eliminating the need for complex precision machining. The pivoting action naturally compensates for manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, reducing device complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the fastener configuration through pivoting motion. The hinge allows the fastener to transition between different angular positions, enabling alignment accommodation without requiring complex machining operations on the housing components.
3Productivity
If a preassembled fastener system is used to minimize assembly steps, then the productivity is improved, but the flexibility to accommodate misalignment may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The preassembled fastener system incorporates a dynamic hinge mechanism that maintains adaptability while improving productivity. The hinge allows the fastener to pivot and accommodate misalignment automatically during the single assembly operation, combining the benefits of preassembly with alignment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for coupling pipe segments (2,4). The coupling includes a first housing component (12), a second housing component (14), and a fastener coupling the first and second components together. The fastener (22) has an aligned configuration defining an axis of alignment such that first and second housing components are in a closed configuration to define a central axis of the coupling. The fastener has a skewed configuration to define a pivot axis of the fastener such that the first and second housing components are in an open configuration. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the central axis and substantially perpendicular to the axis of alignment.