Non-slip Device for Flexible Coupling Longitudinal Thrust
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically-locking flexible couplings for pressurized lines, particularly in nodular cast iron, fail to provide resistance to longitudinal stress, leading to potential slippage and the need for additional anchoring blocks, which can be impractical due to ground conditions, space limitations, and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A non-slip device comprising a reduced number of components, including adjustable clamps and gripping means, that can be easily applied to existing mechanically-locking flexible couplings without removing them, ensuring resistance to longitudinal forces and maintaining watertightness without altering the coupling's function or properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanically-locking flexible couplings are used for pressurized lines, then the coupling ensures water-tightness and flexibility, but the coupling fails to provide resistance to longitudinal stress, causing the male end to slip off the bell
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two functional parts: the original mechanically-locking flexible coupling (providing water-tightness and flexibility) and the separate non-slip device (providing longitudinal stress resistance). This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-slip device is designed to be fitted over the existing coupling, with the collar encompassing the bell and male end assembly. This nested configuration allows the anti-slip function to be added without removing or modifying the original coupling components.
2Strength
If anchoring blocks are provided to resist longitudinal stress, then resistance to thrust force is improved, but the solution becomes impractical due to ground conditions, space limitations, and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The non-slip device extracts the essential anchoring function from the complex ground-based anchoring blocks and relocates it to a self-contained unit that attaches directly to the coupling. This eliminates the need for ground conditions, external space, and complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the coupling and the longitudinal stress forces. Instead of transferring forces to the ground through anchoring blocks, the collar directly engages with the bell and male end to resist slipping, simplifying the force transfer path.
3Strength
If a non-slip device is added to ensure resistance to longitudinal forces, then strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-slip device concentrates its anti-slip function in a localized collar structure that engages only where needed (at the bell-male end interface). This localized approach provides effective longitudinal stress resistance without requiring a complete redesign of the entire coupling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar incorporates adjustable gripping means that can be dynamically positioned and activated. The gripping elements can be engaged or disengaged as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 non-slip device provides effective resistance to longitudinal thrust forces, ensures watertightness, and is economical, easy to use and assemble, with the ability to be applied to existing systems without specialized tools, and can be removed and reassembled without affecting its performance.
Implementation Method 1
compressing and elastically deforming the seal so that it adheres to the walls of the corresponding seat in the bell
Implementation Method 2
gripping means (4) suited to be placed in contact with at least one part of the external surface (S) of the other one of the tubular elements (530) of the coupling (500)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention concerns a non-slip device (1, 100) for use with flexible couplings and a related coupling. Said device comprises one element (2) provided with means (3) for fixing the coupling (500) to a first tubular element (501) and gripping means (4) suited to be placed in contact with one part of the external surface (S) of a second tubular element (530) of the coupling (500) and also comprises means (5) suited to force the gripping means (4) against the surface (S) to make the element (2) integral with the second tubular element (530) and guarantee the required mechanical resistance.