Pipe Clamp Assembly With Deformable Grips for Mixed Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings struggle to provide sufficient axial gripping force and accommodate pipes with different diameters while maintaining a watertight seal.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring an annular seal and deformable members with grip elements that apply both radial and axial forces, allowing for adjustable sealing and gripping across a range of diameters, including a split-ring annular seal and deformable members that can bend or twist to fit various pipe sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nested layers of seals are used to accommodate different pipe diameters, then adaptability to different pipe sizes is improved, but axial gripping force is insufficient due to hydraulic forces loosening the seal grip
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two independent functional components: nested annular seal assemblies for radial sealing and adaptability, and separate deformable member assemblies with grip elements for axial gripping. Each segment addresses a specific function, allowing the radial sealing mechanism to accommodate different pipe diameters while the axial gripping mechanism independently counteracts hydraulic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple annular seal assemblies are nested within each other, with each seal layer capable of being removed or adjusted to accommodate pipes of different diameters. This nested configuration allows the sealing system to adapt to various pipe sizes while maintaining effective radial sealing, and the deformable members with grip elements are positioned within the same nested structure to provide axial gripping force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If special couplings with nested seal layers are used for different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe coupling assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate pipes of different diameters through the nested seal configuration, while the deformable members with grip elements provide multi-functional capability by simultaneously addressing axial gripping and supporting the sealing mechanism. This universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized couplings for different pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable members are designed to dynamically adjust their configuration based on the pipe diameter and axial loading conditions. These members can bend, twist, or deform along their length to optimize grip on pipes of various diameters while maintaining adequate axial gripping force, reducing the need for multiple fixed-configuration couplings.
3Force
If known solutions for increasing axial grip are applied, then axial gripping force is improved, but adaptability to different pipe diameters is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into independent radial sealing components (nested annular seals) and axial gripping components (deformable members with grip elements). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function: the nested seals provide adaptability to different diameters while the deformable grip elements provide strong axial gripping force without interfering with diameter accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly employs composite structural design combining rigid annular seal assemblies for radial sealing with flexible deformable members for axial gripping. The deformable members can be made from materials with appropriate elasticity and strength properties, allowing them to adapt to different pipe diameters while providing sufficient axial gripping force through their ability to deform and conform to the pipe surface.
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 design provides enhanced axial gripping and sealing capabilities, effectively securing pipes of different diameters without leakage, and can be used for repairs without cutting or removing existing pipes.
Implementation Method 1
deformable members that can bend or twist to fit various pipe sizes
Implementation Method 2
grip elements configured to provide axial gripping forces on the pipes held at each end of the pipe coupling
Implementation Method 3
tighten the clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to an axial length of the annular clamp housing so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on pipes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A pipe coupling (10) includes an annular seal (12) disposed in an annular clamp housing (14) that has two openings (16) at opposite ends thereof with clamp members (18) and tightening elements (20) configured to apply a radially-inward clamping force on pipes held at each end of the pipe coupling (10). Deformable members (28) are located radially inwards of the annular clamp housing (14), and extend axially from a central band member (30) along the axial length of the annular clamp housing (14) towards distal ends (29) near or at each of the openings (16). Grip elements (26) are located at the distal ends (29) about an inner perimeter of each of the openings (16), and are configured to provide axial gripping forces on the pipes held at each end of the pipe coupling (10).