Irrigation Saddle Annular Seal for Tool-Free Riser Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems face challenges in maintaining a leak-free seal between the saddle and riser adapter, which is difficult to install and remove without tools due to threaded connections perpendicular to the water flow, requiring significant axial force.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupler with a cylindrical saddle featuring an internal annular sealing face and a dynamic seal, allowing for easy installation and removal of the riser adapter by water pressure, eliminating the need for high axial force to maintain a leak-free seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection perpendicular to water flow is used to mount the riser adapter to the saddle, then a leak-free seal can be maintained, but significant axial force is required making installation and removal difficult without tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection with a friction-fit system based on radial expansion. The riser adapter is inserted into the saddle and secured by radially expanding the adapter material (typically elastomeric) against the inner wall of the saddle, eliminating the need for threads and high axial tightening forces while maintaining a reliable seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mounting mechanism from axial threading to radial expansion. The riser adapter material undergoes parameter change through radial expansion when installed, transforming from a compact state to an expanded state that creates friction engagement and sealing contact with the saddle inner wall, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining leak-free operation.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used for mounting the riser adapter, then a secure connection is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to threading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading feature from the mounting system, eliminating all threaded connections between the riser adapter and saddle. The mounting mechanism is simplified to a direct friction-fit insertion system where the riser adapter is radially expanded within the saddle to create a secure, tool-free connection, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser adapter performs self-service mounting through its own material properties. The elastomeric or flexible material of the adapter self-expands radially upon insertion to create friction engagement and sealing contact with the saddle inner wall, eliminating the need for external threading tools or complex assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If significant axial force is applied to maintain the seal, then leak-free operation is ensured, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring tools for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by applying radial expansion force instead of axial tightening force. The riser adapter is expanded radially within the saddle during installation, creating friction engagement and sealing contact through radial pressure distribution, which eliminates the need for high axial forces and enables tool-free installation and removal while maintaining seal integrity.
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 solution enables easy, tool-free installation and removal of the riser adapter while ensuring a reliable seal, reducing installation complexity and maintaining leak-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
water flow through the circular mount into the riser adapter causes the O-ring to seal against said annular sealing face
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupler having a saddle for connecting to a riser adapter for use in an irrigation system to distribute water. A dynamic seal is positioned in a circumferential channel of the riser adapter on the outer surface of a flange or projection that is positioned into the circular mount of the saddle. In response to water pressure against the dynamic seal, the dynamic seals the connection between the riser adapter and the saddle by sealing against the annular sealing face on the inner circumference of a circular mount of the saddle. The dynamic seal is an O-ring in preferred embodiments.