Perpendicular Pipe Coupler Structure for Fluid Leak Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplers fail to effectively prevent fluid leakage between connected pipes, especially when the coupling members are aligned in a coaxial direction, allowing fluids to leak through the combined portion.
Innovation Solution
The pipe coupler design includes a first and second coupling member with semi-cylindrical shapes that are coupled perpendicular to the axis of the pipes, featuring combining grooves and protrusions for secure engagement, along with a vacuum-supplying unit to ensure tight sealing by holding the coupling members closely to the pipe surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first coupling member and the second coupling member are combined in a coaxial direction of the first and second pipes, then the coupling structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but fluid leakage occurs through the combined portion between the coupling members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coupling direction from the axial dimension (coaxial with pipes) to a radial dimension (perpendicular to the pipe axis). The coupling members are combined in a direction substantially perpendicular to the coaxis of the coupled pipes, which eliminates the leakage path along the axial direction while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the first coupling member and the second coupling member are coupled perpendicular to the coaxis of the pipes, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct segments: the first coupling member with its combining protrusion, the second coupling member with its combining groove, and the vacuum-supplying unit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable sealing while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
3Strength
If combining grooves and protrusions are used to couple the first and second coupling members, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The combining protrusion and groove are designed to self-align and self-engage during the coupling process. The geometric shapes of the protrusion and groove guide the assembly, allowing the components to find their correct relative positions automatically, which reduces the need for high manufacturing precision while still achieving strong coupling.
4Reliability
If a vacuum-supplying unit is added to hold the coupling members closely to the pipe surfaces, then sealing performance is enhanced, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum-supplying unit that creates a vacuum environment between the coupling members and the pipe surfaces. This pneumatic mechanism generates holding force through pressure differential, ensuring tight sealing without requiring mechanical fasteners or complex fastening structures, thereby enhancing sealing while adding minimal complexity.
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
This design effectively suppresses fluid leakage by ensuring a tight seal between the pipes, even when the coupling members are aligned perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, and the vacuum-supplying unit enhances the sealing by maintaining close contact with the pipe surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum-supplying unit configured to supply vacuum to the first and second holders
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupler may include a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The first coupling member may be configured to hold a portion of a first pipe. The second coupling member may be configured to hold a portion of a second pipe coupled to the first pipe. The first coupling member and the second coupling member may be coupled to each other to connect the first pipe to the second pipe in a direction substantially perpendicular to a coaxis of the coupled first and second pipes. Thus, a leakage of the fluid through a combining portion between the first and second coupling members may be suppressed.