Modular Non-Metallic Coupling for Axial and Angular Deflection
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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 that can pivot and move axially, and can be expanded by adding multiple couplings, with optional boot for water-tight sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid straight coupling is used to join conduits, then the connection is strong and stable, but it cannot accommodate axial expansion, contraction, or angular misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with a bore, an inner sleeve that can move axially and rotate, and a center joint connecting multiple couplings. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions (axial movement, angular deflection) while maintaining overall structural integrity and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system where the inner sleeve can move axially and rotate relative to the body portion. This dynamic capability allows the coupling to adapt to thermal expansion, contraction, and angular misalignment while maintaining a secure connection through friction and geometric constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current expansion couplings are used, then some axial movement is accommodated, but the range of motion is limited and custom factory design is required for increased movement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling provides more axial movement capability than traditional couplings through the movable inner sleeve design. The inner sleeve can move axially within the body portion bore and is retained by friction, allowing greater expansion and contraction accommodation without requiring custom factory design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs multiple functions: it accommodates axial expansion and contraction, angular misalignment, and parallel deflection all in a single standardized component. The modular design with body portion, inner sleeve, and center joint allows the same basic coupling design to handle various movement requirements without custom fabrication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If angular deflection is accommodated, then misaligned conduits can be joined, but the inner diameter may decrease reducing wire clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling handles angular deflection by allowing the inner sleeve to rotate relative to the body portion, effectively using rotational movement in a different dimension to accommodate misalignment. This rotation occurs within the bore space without significantly reducing the effective inner diameter for wire passage, maintaining wire clearance while enabling angular connection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplings are added to increase range of motion, then flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coupling functions are merged into a single integrated device. The body portion, inner sleeve, and center joint work together as one unit to provide axial movement, angular deflection, and parallel deflection capabilities simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate couplings and reducing overall system complexity.
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.