Outlet Pipe Coupling With Captured Seal for Faster Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of mechanical pipe couplings, especially outlet couplings, is complex and time-consuming due to the need for precise alignment and disassembly of multiple components, requiring significant effort and time.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring pre-assembled segments with adjustable attachment assemblies and a seal system that allows for the insertion of pipe elements without full disassembly, using arcuate keys, lobes, and a spring assembly to facilitate alignment and sealing, reducing the need for sequential assembly and enhancing ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the coupling is pre-assembled with segments bolted together and gasket captured, then the coupling structure is complete and ready for installation, but the technician must totally disassemble and reassemble the coupling piece by piece, increasing installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into separable segments that can be pre-assembled at the factory with the gasket captured between them. This segmentation allows the coupling to be manufactured as a complete unit while still enabling field disassembly and reassembly without requiring total disassembly, thus resolving the contradiction between pre-assembly benefits and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled at the factory with the gasket already captured between them, performing the assembly action beforehand. This preliminary action eliminates the need for technicians to handle multiple individual components during installation, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining the completeness of the coupling structure
2Ease of operation
If the coupling segments are disassembled for gasket installation, then the gasket can be properly positioned and lubricated, but significant time and effort are required to handle multiple piece parts and reassemble the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-positioned and captured between the coupling segments during factory assembly, performing the gasket installation action beforehand. This eliminates the time-consuming field operations of gasket handling, lubrication, and reassembly, while still allowing proper gasket positioning to be achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is nested within the coupling segments, captured between them in a pre-assembled configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the gasket to be properly positioned and secured without requiring the segments to be completely disassembled and reassembled in the field, significantly reducing installation time
3Manufacturing precision
If outlet coupling alignment is ensured with multiple components, then the outlet is properly oriented at an angle to the pipes, but the assembly process becomes more complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features and outlet orientation components are merged into an integrated pre-assembled coupling unit. This combines multiple alignment functions into a single manufactured component, maintaining precise outlet alignment while eliminating the need for complicated field assembly operations with multiple separate alignment components
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling has first and second segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments define first and second receptacles which receive pipe elements. A port is positioned in one of the segments. The port provides access to the central space. A nipple on the segment extends from the central space and defines a bore aligned with the port. A collar on the segment extends toward the central space. The collar has an outer surface which forms a recess with an inner surface of the segment. A seal is positioned within a channel defined by arcuate keys which surround the receptacles. The seal has a body which defines a first aperture aligned with the receptacles and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the nipple.