Pipe Coupler Packing Structure for Grooved Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplers face issues with low workability due to the exposure of the pipe's coating layer to fluid pressure, leading to peeling and corrosion, inadequate sealing of non-smooth and grooved surfaces, and damage from radial pieces bending excessively during pipe insertion.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupler design featuring a pipe locking protrusion on the packing member to prevent coating layer peeling, a swash cam mechanism for enhanced sealing, and a grip ring support to prevent radial piece damage, allowing for one-touch pipe insertion and secure watertight/airtight connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipe is inserted into the pipe coupler by rotating (conventional method), then the connection is secured, but the workability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional insertion method by replacing rotational insertion with linear push insertion. The pipe is inserted directly into the pipe coupler without rotation, and the locking mechanism is achieved through the interaction between the locking protrusion on the pipe coupler and the groove on the pipe, eliminating the need for rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotational movement requirement from the insertion process. By designing the locking mechanism to engage through linear insertion only, the complex rotational action is removed, simplifying the operation to a straightforward push-in motion while maintaining secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the front end portion of the pipe is exposed to fluid pressure, then the pipe connection is simple, but the coating layer peels off and the pipe corrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the front end covering structure as an intermediary element between the fluid pressure environment and the pipe coating layer. This covering structure protects the coating layer from direct exposure to fluid pressure, preventing peeling and corrosion while maintaining the simplicity of the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing the front end covering structure that shields the pipe coating layer before fluid pressure can cause damage. This protective covering is installed as part of the connection process, preventing future peeling and corrosion issues.
3Quantity of substance
If the pipe has grooves on the outer circumferential surface for fluid movement, then fluid flow is improved, but packing is not performed appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the packing member as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the grooved pipe surface and the sealing requirement. The packing member deforms to conform to the grooves, maintaining fluid flow paths while achieving appropriate packing and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the packing member by utilizing its elasticity and deformability. The packing member is inserted in a relaxed state and then deforms under compression to conform to the grooved surface, achieving sealing without blocking fluid flow through the grooves.
4Device complexity
If only an O-ring is used as the packing member, then the structure is simple, but watertightness and airtightness cannot be maintained due to volume change limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material properties by using a packing member made of elastic material that combines flexibility with sufficient volume change capability. This elastic material can deform to accommodate pressure changes while maintaining consistent sealing contact, achieving reliable watertightness and airtightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the packing member by selecting elastic material with appropriate viscosity and elasticity characteristics. This allows the packing member to undergo controlled volume changes in response to pressure variations while maintaining effective sealing, overcoming the limitations of simple O-rings.
5Strength
If radial pieces are formed in the fixing part to secure the pipe, then the pipe is fixed firmly, but the radial pieces bend excessively and dig into the pipe when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the radial pieces with predetermined bending resistance features or support structures that prevent excessive bending before it can occur. The radial pieces are configured to maintain their shape under expected loads, preventing them from digging into the pipe while still providing firm fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material properties in the radial pieces by selecting materials with appropriate strength-to-flexibility ratios. This allows the radial pieces to be firm enough to secure the pipe effectively while having sufficient flexibility to absorb applied forces without excessive bending or digging into the pipe.
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 solution effectively prevents coating layer peeling, ensures watertight and airtight seals on non-smooth and grooved surfaces, and prevents pipe damage from excessive radial piece bending, enhancing the overall sealing performance and durability of pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
a packing member (30) which is installed on an inner surface of the connector (10, 11) and comes into close contact with the pipe (P)
Implementation Method 2
a grip ring support (50) which has a radial piece support (52), which is formed in front of the grip ring (20) and bent toward a rear side of the hollow (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipe coupler having a function of covering a pipe. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pipe coupler which can prevent a coating layer of a pipe coated with the coating layer from being peeled from a tip of the pipe by a continuously acting hydraulic pressure by forming a pipe locking protrusion in which a front end of the pipe is surrounded and covered with a packing member, seal even a pipe having a non-smooth or grooved outer peripheral surface, and furthermore ensure watertightness or airtightness more reliably by using a pair of packing members acting in the form of a swash cam plate in accordance with an insertion of a pipe.