Mechanical Pipe Coupling Assembly Without Adhesive

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe systems, particularly in DWV and chemical applications, rely heavily on chemical bonding agents for secure connections, which are environmentally hazardous and face regulatory scrutiny, while mechanical alternatives have not gained widespread acceptance or compliance with local codes.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical pipe coupling assembly that joins pipes and fittings without adhesives or bonding agents, utilizing a seal ring and a locking ring with corrugations for secure engagement, suitable for both plastic and metal systems, ensuring leak-proof connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical bonding agents are used to join pipe sections and fittings, then reliable and secure joints are achieved, but environmental dangers and regulatory scrutiny increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system with a mechanical coupling system. The mechanical coupling includes a body with a first end receiving the pipe and a second end receiving the fitting, with mechanical features (protrusions and recesses) that interlock to secure the joint without chemical adhesives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coupling acts as an intermediary component between the pipe and fitting, providing a secure mechanical connection without requiring direct chemical bonding between the pipe and fitting surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mechanical couplings are used to join pipes and fittings, then environmental harm is reduced, but acceptance and code compliance remain limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidcode compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion, a pipe-receiving portion with internal threading, and a fitting-receiving portion with external threading. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs threaded connections with specific pitch and diameter parameters that can be adjusted to match various pipe and fitting sizes, ensuring broad compatibility and code compliance across different applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If threaded connections are used in the mechanical coupling, then secure mechanical engagement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical engagement strengthVSAvoidcoupling manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling body is designed as a universal component that can connect different types of pipes and fittings through standardized threading patterns, allowing a single design to serve multiple functions and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a secure, leak-proof connection for fluid conveyance systems without the environmental risks of chemical bonding agents, meeting or exceeding local codes and offering flexibility in material usage, including thermoplastic and metallic components.

Implementation Method 1

a seal ring disposed within the end portion of the fitting in sealing contact with the interior annular surface thereof and with the outer annular surface of the pipe end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing contact:

Implementation Method 2

The locking ring has a plurality of corrugations extending circumferentially thereabout, the corrugations presenting inner edge portions engaging the outer annular surface of the pipe end and outer edge portions engaging the interior annular surface of the end portion of the fitting for opposing withdrawal of the pipe end axially outwardly from the fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9568127B2Mechanical pipe coupling assembly without adhesive or bonding agent

Publication Date: 2017.02.14 CHARLOTTE PIPE & FOUNDRY CO

AI summary

A mechanical coupling between a straight pipe end and a socket fitting comprises a seal ring and a locking ring disposed within the interior of the socket. The locking ring has a generally frustoconical shape with a plurality of corrugations extending circumferentially thereabout, the corrugations presenting inner edge portions engaging the outer annular surface of the pipe end and outer edge portions engaging the interior annular surface of the socket for opposing withdrawal of the pipe end axially outwardly from the socket. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking ring is assembled with a support disk to optimally orient the locking ring with respect to the fitting and the pipe end.