Pipe Coupler Annular Retention and Sealing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers lack effective sealing and retention mechanisms, particularly in tubular conduits with varying lengths and surface configurations, which can lead to leaks and improper engagement between pipes.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring external and internal annular grooves and members with radially extending slots, along with seal elements and annular retaining members, ensures secure engagement and sealing by allowing flexible tabs to forcibly retain pipes without adhesives at one end and enabling adhesive fixation at the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing couplers are used without sealing and retention mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability and connection stability deteriorate leading to leaks and improper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple functional segments: external annular grooves for adhesive application, internal annular members for structural support, seal elements for leakage prevention, and annular retaining members with resilient tabs for mechanical retention. Each segment performs a specific function, collectively achieving reliable sealing and retention while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested structures where internal annular members are positioned within the tubular conduit, seal elements are nested within internal annular grooves, and annular retaining members with resilient tabs are nested within internal annular members. This nested arrangement maximizes functionality within the confined coupler space, achieving multiple sealing and retention functions without proportionally increasing external dimensions or overall complexity.
2Strength
If adhesive fixation is used alone, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but retention strength deteriorates under varying conduit lengths and surface configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple retention mechanisms: adhesive fixation applied to external annular grooves, mechanical retention through annular retaining members with resilient tabs that forcibly engage pipes, and structural support from internal annular members. This combination of chemical (adhesive) and mechanical (retaining tabs) retention methods ensures strong connection across varying conduit lengths and surface configurations while remaining manufacturable through standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different retention mechanisms are applied to different locations: adhesive is applied to external annular grooves for chemical bonding, while annular retaining members with resilient tabs are positioned at specific locations to provide mechanical retention. This localized application of different retention methods optimizes the balance between manufacturing simplicity and retention strength for each specific region of the coupler.
3Reliability
If multiple annular grooves and members are added, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs annular (circular) grooves and members that follow the curved geometry of the tubular conduit. This curved, annular configuration provides natural visual and tactile indicators for inspection, as the circular patterns are easily detectable and measurable using standard industrial inspection methods, even though multiple sealing elements are present. The symmetry and repetition of annular features simplify detection compared to irregularly shaped sealing elements.
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 reliable sealing and retention of pipes, preventing leaks and ensuring secure connections across varying conduit lengths and surface configurations, enhancing the stability and reliability of pipeline systems.
Implementation Method 1
A seal element can further be disposed in the first internal annular groove, where a portion of the seal element can extend outward into the interior space
Implementation Method 2
an annular retaining member can be disposed in the second internal annular member, where the annular retaining member can include a plurality of radially extending slots in circumferentially spaced apart relation to define a plurality of resiliently flexible tabs
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler including a tubular conduit having a length disposed between a first end and a second end and a thickness disposed between an external surface and internal surface defining an interior passage and including one or more of an external annular groove disposed in the external surface overlaying an internal annular member disposed on the internal surface, and one or more external annular members disposed on the external surface correspondingly overlaying one or more internal annular grooves disposed in said internal surface.