Modular Non-Metallic Coupling for Axial and Angular Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conduit couplings have limited ability to adjust for axial expansion and contraction movements, and require custom factory design for increased range of motion, failing to accommodate angular and parallel deflections effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular expansion and deflection coupling device that allows greater axial and angular movement without reducing inner diameter, featuring a curved inner sleeve and adapter sub-assemblies for increased flexibility, and can be expanded with additional couplings for enhanced motion range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid straight coupling is used to join conduits, then structural strength and stability are improved, but the ability to accommodate axial expansion, contraction, and angular deflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid outer coupling body for structural strength, a flexible intermediate section with corrugated or bellows-like structure for expansion/contraction, and angular deflection sections for orientation adjustment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling incorporates dynamic elements that allow movement and deformation in response to thermal expansion, contraction, and angular misalignment. The flexible intermediate section can dynamically adjust its shape and length, while the angular deflection sections can rotate or pivot to accommodate orientation changes, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamically adaptable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible coupling is used to accommodate movement, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges rigid and flexible elements into a unified structure. The rigid outer coupling body provides structural strength and mounting stability, while the integrated flexible intermediate section and angular deflection sections provide movement accommodation. This combination ensures that neither strength nor flexibility is sacrificed, as both work synergistically.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible intermediate section is nested within the rigid outer coupling body, and the angular deflection sections are integrated within the overall structure. This nested arrangement allows the flexible components to move and deform within the confines of the rigid structure, maintaining structural integrity while enabling the required range of motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom factory-designed couplings are used to increase range of motion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling uses inherently dynamic geometric structures (corrugated sections, bellows-like forms, angular deflection joints) that provide range of motion through their natural physical properties rather than complex mechanical mechanisms. This reduces device complexity by leveraging material and geometric behavior instead of adding sophisticated control systems or multiple moving parts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling accommodates angular movement, then adaptability is improved, but the inner diameter may decrease due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling separates the angular movement function into dedicated angular deflection sections that are distinct from the conduit passage. These sections are positioned and oriented such that their movement does not impinge on the inner diameter of the conduit, allowing angular adjustment while preserving the wire-carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular deflection sections accommodate orientation changes in dimensions external to the conduit's internal passage. The movement occurs in the wall thickness or external geometry of the coupling, not within the inner diameter space, thereby maintaining constant wire-carrying capacity while enabling angular adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.