Pipe Coupler With Tapered Guide and Retaining Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current couplers face challenges in efficiently guiding and securely connecting pipes due to limitations in design and material compatibility, particularly in ensuring a reliable seal and preventing egress.
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 annular retaining member, allows for the guided insertion of a pipe into the conduit, ensuring a secure fit and preventing egress through resiliently flexible tabs.
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 securely connect pipes 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 portion with resilient tabs for locking. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular guide acts as an intermediary element between the pipe being inserted and the main coupler body. It facilitates the guiding function by providing a tapered pathway that directs the pipe into proper alignment, thereby improving securing capability without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If a coupler with basic sealing is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient tabs are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow them to deform elastically during pipe insertion and then maintain constant contact pressure against the pipe outer surface. This parameter optimization provides reliable sealing without complex multi-component sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs function as flexible elements that conform to the pipe outer surface through elastic deformation. This flexibility allows the sealing surface to adapt to minor variations in pipe dimensions while maintaining reliable sealing, avoiding the need for complex adjustable or multi-layer sealing structures.
3Ease of operation
If a coupler without guiding structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the pipe insertion guidance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular guide features a tapered curvature that gradually narrows from the coupler body toward the pipe insertion end. This curved geometry naturally guides the pipe into proper alignment during insertion, improving ease of operation. The tapering shape can be manufactured using standard forming processes, minimizing impact on manufacturing simplicity.
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 and secures the pipe within the conduit, providing a reliable seal and preventing leakage, while being compatible with a variety of materials and fluid types.
Implementation Method 1
resiliently flexible tabs that expand radially outward to engage and secure the pipe within the conduit, preventing egress
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.