Irrigation Pipe Coupling Bushing for Low-Friction Multi-Axial Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation system pipe joints often experience excessive wear and inefficiency due to erratic movement and high friction during multi-axial motion, leading to reduced reliability and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a bushing with a recess and surface features such as chamfers or curved edges, which closely fits around an elongated member like a hook or post, allows for efficient relative motion between pipe joints with reduced part wear and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a male connector mates with a recess to allow pipe movement relative to the joined structure, then the joint provides flexibility and adaptability, but excessive wear and high friction occur during multi-axial motion
Solution Approach 1:
A bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the male connector (hook) and the recess. The bushing acts as a mediator that reduces direct contact and friction between the hook and recess walls during multi-axial motion, thereby reducing wear on all components while maintaining the flexibility and adaptability of the joint connection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joint allows multi-axial motion for efficient maneuvering, then the system gains versatility in motion paths, but erratic movement and friction increase part wear
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing serves as a mediator that guides and stabilizes the multi-axial motion between the hook and recess. By providing a controlled interface, the bushing reduces erratic movement while still allowing the necessary flexibility for efficient maneuvering along various motion paths
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing changes the friction parameter between moving parts by providing a lower-friction surface. This parameter change allows the joint to maintain adaptability for multi-axial motion while significantly reducing the harmful effects of friction and erratic movement
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
This solution enables irrigation system spans to maneuver efficiently along multi-axial motion paths with reduced erratic movement and friction, resulting in lower part wear, improved alignment, and increased system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
allows for efficient relative motion between pipe joints with reduced part wear and friction
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an irrigation system pipe joint or span coupling, which can connect a span of an irrigation system to another structure. In examples, the joint can include various components that attach an end of a first pipe or joint to an end of a second pipe or joint. For example, the end of the first joint can include a receiver plate, which can include a recess with a bushing. In addition, the end of the second joint can include a post, hook, or other elongated member that, in order to connect the first joint to the second joint, is insertable into the bushing.