Interlocking Pipe Coupling Seal for Pressure-Resistant Diameter Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe coupling seals with interlocking annular ridges and grooves have limited ability to withstand fluid pressures, causing the sealing layers to separate radially and axially, compromising the watertight seal.

Innovation Solution

A seal assembly with interlocking mating structures, including an annular lug with orthogonal faces, a notch, and a bulbous protrusion that fits into a complementary channel, preventing separation of the sealing layers in both radial and axial directions, even under fluid pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If annular ridges and grooves with mating clearance are used to connect sealing layers, then the sealing layers can be easily mated together, but the connection has limited ability to withstand fluid pressures causing separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mating sealing layersVSAvoidresistance to fluid pressure forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing layers are divided into separate components (first sealing layer and second sealing layer) that can be independently positioned and assembled. Each layer has specific interlocking features (protrusions and recesses) that enable modular assembly while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first sealing layer is positioned within or alongside the second sealing layer, with interlocking features where protrusions from one layer fit into recesses of the other. This nested arrangement allows the layers to be mating together easily while the interlocking structures prevent separation under fluid pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If trapezoidal or triangular interlocking structures are used between sealing layers, then the structures can provide some mechanical connection, but they allow separation along the slant surface under fluid pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical connection strengthVSAvoidresistance to separation under pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking features use asymmetric protrusions and recesses where the geometry is specifically designed so that the protruding portions fit into the recessed portions in a way that resists separation forces. The asymmetric design ensures that fluid pressure forces are distributed to engage the interlocking features rather than allowing sliding along slant surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between sealing layers is enhanced by adding interlocking features that extend in multiple dimensions. The protrusions and recesses create a three-dimensional interlocking arrangement that prevents separation in radial directions and axial directions simultaneously, rather than relying on simple surface contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3631272B1Pipe coupling comprising a seal with interlocking layers for range of pipe diameters

Publication Date: 2021.02.24 KRAUSZ IND

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A

AI summary

A pipe coupling (10) includes a clamp housing (14) and a seal assembly (12) mounted in at least one end (16) of the clamp housing (14). The seal assembly (12) includes an outer sealing layer (24) connected to an inner sealing layer (26) with interlocking mating structures (28, 30, 40, 42, 44) that abut against each other in radial and axial directions (37, 39, 41, 43) and prevent the inner and outer sealing layers (26, 24) from separating from each other in the radial and axial directions (37, 39, 41, 43).