Mechanical Pipe Coupling Assembly for Tool-Free Reusable Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for pipes are cumbersome to install, require special tooling, and lack reusability, making them inefficient and costly for piping applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring an annular body with multiple inner diameter sections, a rib, teeth, and a sealing member, which includes a locking mechanism that allows for easy installation and reusability by clamping around pipes using a fastener to secure the assembly in a locked state, preventing axial pullout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling devices are used to connect pipes, then the connection is secure, but the installation process is time-consuming and requires special tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: an annular body for positioning, a rib for engagement with the fitting groove, teeth for gripping the pipe, and a separate fastener for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling simple hand-operated installation without complex tooling while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates self-gripping teeth that automatically engage with the pipe outer surface and a rib that self-aligns with the fitting groove during installation. The fastener, when tightened, causes the teeth to bite into the pipe and the rib to engage the groove without requiring special alignment tools or procedures, making the installation process self-servicing and tool-free.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional coupling devices are used, then the connection is secure, but the devices lack reusability and are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be reusable rather than disposable. The robust annular body, rib, and teeth are constructed to withstand multiple installation cycles. After use, the coupling can be removed from the pipe-fitting assembly and reused in other applications, recovering the value of the device and eliminating the need for continuous purchase of new couplings, thereby improving cost effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device features a universal design with an annular body that can accommodate various pipe diameters through adjustable fastening, a rib that engages with standard fitting grooves, and teeth that grip different pipe outer surfaces. This multi-functionality allows a single coupling type to serve multiple piping applications, enhancing adaptability and reducing the need for specialized coupling variants, thus improving cost effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism with fastener is used to clamp the annular body, then the connection prevents axial pullout, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges the fastener, teeth, and annular body into an integrated assembly where the fastener threads through the annular body and secures the teeth in a locked position. This combination creates a unified locking system that prevents axial pullout through the coordinated action of the clamped annular body and engaged teeth, achieving high connection security without requiring separate complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener acts as an intermediary element that translates rotational tightening motion into axial clamping force on the annular body and radial gripping force on the pipe through the teeth. This intermediary mechanism provides a simple yet reliable means of securing the connection, preventing axial pullout without introducing complex mechanical linkages or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe (12) coupling assembly (16, 116) includes a body (64, 120), a rib (65, 122), and teeth (56, 124). The body (64, 118) has an outer diameter and first and second inner diameter sections (68, 128, 70, 130). The first inner diameter section (68, 128) is wider than the second inner diameter section (70, 130). The rib (65, 122) extends around the first diameter section (68, 128) and projects radially inwardly therefrom. The teeth (56, 124) are situated within the second inner diameter section (70, 130) and project radially inwardly toward a central axis (38, 134) of the body (64, 120).