Multi-Rib Coupling Gasket to Prevent Pinching and Fluid Buildup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling technologies face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient seal between pipe elements, particularly due to issues like gasket pinching and fluid buildup in the gasket channels, which can lead to failure and damage in cold temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
An annular gasket design with radially inwardly extending sealing ribs and a center rib, which includes deformation grooves and drafted edges to prevent pinching and fluid buildup, is used in conjunction with a pipe coupling system featuring segments with fastener holes and tightening elements to ensure proper alignment and compression for a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional gasket design is used in pipe coupling, then the structure is simple, but gasket pinching and fluid buildup occur leading to seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is segmented into multiple functional regions including an outer annular body, radial sealing ribs extending inward, and a central rib structure. This segmentation allows different portions of the gasket to perform specialized functions: the annular body provides overall sealing, the radial ribs prevent pinching by distributing compression forces, and the central rib prevents fluid buildup in the center channel, thereby improving seal reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gasket are designed with locally optimized properties. The radial sealing ribs have specific thicknesses and spacing to prevent pinching at critical locations where compression forces are highest. The central rib structure is designed with specific geometry to prevent fluid trapping in the center channel. This local optimization ensures reliable sealing at each critical location while maintaining overall gasket functionality
2Reliability
If the gasket is compressed tightly to ensure sealing, then the seal quality improves, but gasket pinching occurs causing deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket structure is divided into the annular body and separate radial sealing ribs. This segmentation allows the ribs to act as reinforcement elements that distribute compression forces across multiple contact points with the pipe surfaces, preventing localized pinching and deformation while maintaining overall seal quality under tight compression
Solution Approach 2:
The radial sealing ribs are pre-positioned to contact the pipe surfaces before full compression is applied. These ribs act as cushioning elements that distribute the compressive load evenly across the sealing interface, preventing sudden pinching and deformation that would occur with uniform compression of a traditional gasket design
3Reliability
If the center channel is closed to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing improves, but fluid buildup occurs in cold temperatures causing expansion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The center channel is segmented by the central rib structure into multiple smaller channels or compartments. This segmentation allows the channel to remain open for fluid flow while preventing large volumes of fluid from trapping and building up in cold temperatures. The segmented structure maintains sealing functionality while reducing the harmful effects of fluid expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The central rib structure extracts or removes the problematic fluid-trapping volume from the center channel. By introducing this rib structure, the design eliminates the large enclosed space that would otherwise allow fluid buildup and expansion, while still maintaining the sealing function through the rib surfaces contacting the pipe
4Ease of manufacture
If the gasket design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but sealing performance becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed as a single molded piece with integrated radial sealing ribs and central rib structure. This segmented design within a single component achieves complex sealing functionality without requiring multiple assembly steps, maintaining ease of manufacture through single-piece construction while delivering reliable sealing performance through the integrated multi-functional geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A coupled pipe joint assembly includes a first pipe element defining a first end; a second pipe element defining a second end, the first end and the second end positioned together in an end-to-end facing relationship; and a coupling, the coupling including at least one segment, each segment defining a first end and a second end, the first end disposed opposite from the second end, each first end and each second end defining a fastener hole; at least one fastener, each fastener extending through at least a one of the fastener holes; and a gasket, each segment positioned annular to the gasket, the gasket including an annular body; a pair of sealing ribs each extending substantially radially inwardly from the annular body, and at least one center rib extending substantially radially inwardly from the annular body.