Pipe Segment Coupler With Expanding Claws for Bolt-Free Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe rehabilitation methods face challenges in firmly coupling segments in the longitudinal direction without using fixtures like bolts and nuts, leading to inefficiencies in construction time and material costs.
Innovation Solution
A pipe rehabilitation method using elastically deformable claws on a coupler that protrude through insertion holes of the segments, allowing the coupler to expand in diameter and clamp the segments together for secure longitudinal coupling, with the coupler and necessary components attached before site transport to expedite assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling bolts are used to couple segments in the longitudinal direction, then the segment portions where coupling bolts are provided are firmly joined, but the portions where the coupling bolts are not provided cannot be joined in longitudinal direction with sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into multiple coupling portions along the longitudinal direction, with each coupling portion having its own coupling bolt. This segmentation allows strength to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated at a single location, enabling sufficient joining strength throughout the entire assembly while maintaining manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coupling portions are merged into a unified coupling system where all coupling portions work together to provide comprehensive longitudinal joining. The side plates and end plates are integrated to form a unified structure that distributes and coordinates the joining force across all coupling portions, achieving overall sufficient strength
2Strength
If nuts are staggered for fixation in the circumferential direction with coupling bolts disposed in a zigzag manner, then the segments can be joined with sufficient strength, but the nut is so long as to extend between the side plate of the segment and the inner plate adjacent thereto, requiring an expensive nut
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure utilizes the radial dimension by extending the nut axially between the side plate and inner plate, rather than only using the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional transition allows the nut to engage both components effectively while maintaining a compact overall structure, avoiding the need for excessively long nuts and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The nut is designed with a predetermined axial length that is calculated in advance to extend between the side plate and inner plate at the correct position. This preliminary design ensures proper engagement geometry is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for expensive custom-long nuts and simplifying the manufacturing process
3Strength
If the nut is long in the longitudinal direction, then it must be fixed by bolting one end of the nut to the inner plate adjacent to the side plate of the segment, requiring a dedicated tool with torque control and time for replacement work
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is designed to be self-aligning and self-fixing through the coordinated arrangement of side plates, end plates, and nuts. The staggered nut configuration automatically positions itself correctly during assembly, eliminating the need for dedicated torque control tools and complex fixation procedures, thereby significantly reducing construction time
4Ease of operation
If ridges formed on the outer periphery of the coupling pin are separated into halves by a separation pin, then the side plates of two segments can be clamped between the ridges, but the ridges cannot be elongated in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface, so the ridges are made low and both segments cannot be clamped with sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pin features a curved or rounded profile that allows the ridges to wrap around the side plates more effectively. This curvature enables the ridges to achieve greater effective height and better contact area with the side plates, providing sufficient clamping force while maintaining ease of operation during assembly
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
Enables rapid and secure coupling of segments in the longitudinal direction, significantly reducing construction time and eliminating the need for expensive fixtures, while ensuring strong clamping force for durable pipe rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
a coupler having a plurality of claws that are radially elastically deformable and long so as to protrude through the insertion holes of the side plates of the butted segments
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler having elastically deformable claws 32, 33 is fixed to the side plate 103 of one segment 1a. The side plate 103 of the one segment 1a and the side plate 102 of the other segment 1b are butted against each other, and the claws of the coupler are passed through the side plate of the other segment to protrude into the segment. The claws of the coupler protruding into the other segment are elastically deformed by a diameter expansion pin 11 to expand the diameter of the claws 32 and 33. The claws of the coupler whose diameter has been expanded presses the side plate of the other segment against the side plate of the one segment to couple both the segments in the longitudinal direction.