Pipe Coupler Guide and Retention for Leak-Proof Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers face challenges in efficiently guiding and securing pipes into tubular conduits, particularly in ensuring a secure and leak-proof connection while accommodating varying pipe angles and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring a tubular guide that widens between the conduit end and its terminal end, coupled with a seal element and an annular retaining member with resilient tabs, allows for guided insertion and secure engagement of the pipe into the conduit, ensuring a leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupler design is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to guide and secure pipes effectively is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional segments: a tubular guide portion for guiding pipe insertion, a body portion for structural support, and a securing mechanism with resilient tabs for locking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular guide acts as an intermediary element between the pipe and the securing mechanism. It facilitates controlled pipe insertion by guiding the pipe into the correct position before the resilient tabs engage to secure the connection, ensuring both guidance and security functions are achieved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-angle coupler is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying pipe angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates resilient tabs that can flex and adapt to different pipe angles during insertion. This dynamic characteristic allows the coupler to accommodate varying pipe orientations while maintaining a secure connection, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-angle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design allows for variation in the insertion angle parameter through the resilient tab mechanism. The tabs can deform to accommodate different angular parameters during pipe insertion, enabling the coupler to adapt to varying pipe angles while maintaining connection integrity.
3Reliability
If a tight-fitting coupler is used, then the leak-proof connection is achieved, but the ease of pipe insertion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular guide portion performs the preliminary action of guiding and positioning the pipe before the tight-fitting securing mechanism engages. This preliminary guidance facilitates easier pipe insertion by aligning the pipe correctly, after which the resilient tabs provide the tight fit necessary for a leak-proof connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular guide serves as an intermediary that facilitates pipe insertion by providing a guiding path. It allows the pipe to be inserted more easily by maintaining alignment, while the securing mechanism with resilient tabs ensures the final tight fit for leak-proof performance.
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 guides pipes into conduits, providing a secure and leak-proof connection that prevents egress, accommodating various pipe angles and sizes, and ensuring reliable fluid containment.
Implementation Method 1
an annular retaining member with resilient 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 a tubular guide, coupled to the first end, widening between the first end and a tubular guide terminal end of the tubular guide.