Pipe Coupler Ratchet Mechanism for Tool-Free Fluid-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplers require a tool to apply significant force for joining and separating pipes, which can lead to wear on threaded regions and compromise fluid-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupler design featuring a first and second jaw member with a rack region, a tooth member, a control unit, and a locking mechanism, allowing for tool-free joining and separation by unidirectional rotation and engagement of the ratchet mechanism, ensuring fluid-tight engagement of pipes without the need for excessive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool is used to apply large force on the tightening member, then sufficient fluid-tightness between pipes is achieved, but wearing occurs on the male and female threaded regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical system with a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism. The ratchet teeth engage with corresponding teeth on the tightening member, converting rotational motion into unidirectional linear motion that tightens the jaw members against the pipes. This substitution eliminates the need for high-force threaded engagement, thereby preventing wear on threaded regions while maintaining effective tightening for fluid-tightness.
2Reliability
If a tool is required to apply large force for joining and separating pipes, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism allows the tightening member to be actuated by simple rotational motion without requiring a specialized tool. The pawl engages with the ratchet teeth to prevent reverse motion, ensuring that the clamping force is maintained during both joining and separation operations. This mechanism enables tool-free operation while delivering sufficient clamping force for reliable pipe connection.
3Reliability
If excessive force is applied to achieve fluid-tightness, then sealing between pipes is ensured, but wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet-and-pawl mechanism provides controlled, unidirectional force application that tightens the jaw members evenly against the pipes. This eliminates the need for excessive force that would occur with traditional threaded systems, as the ratchet mechanism efficiently converts rotational input into linear tightening motion. The result is adequate sealing force applied smoothly, minimizing component wear while ensuring fluid-tight seals.
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 easy and tool-free connection and disconnection of pipes while maintaining fluid-tightness, reducing wear on components and improving ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet mechanism comprising a rack region (121) and a tooth member (42), wherein the tooth member (42) is configured to mesh with the rack region (121)
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing member (45a) disposed to apply a first biasing force to the ratchet (42)
Implementation Method 3
The second hinged end segment (211) is hinged to the first hinged end segment (111)
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupler includes a first jaw member, a first jaw extension, a second jaw member defining an open channel, a mounting board, a ratchet, and a first biasing member. The first and second jaw members are hinged to each other. The mounting board extends outwardly from the open channel of the second jaw member. The first jaw extension extends from the first jaw member, and is configured to extend into the open channel. The first jaw extension has a plurality of rack teeth. The ratchet is rotatably mounted on the mounting board, and has a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to mesh with the rack teeth. The first jaw extension is permitted to drive the ratchet to rotate unidirectionally against a first biasing force of the first biasing member.