Pipe Coupling With Angular Projections For Tolerance Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly for installation, limiting their use with pipe elements that have significant diameter tolerance variations or flare, and are inefficient in accommodating out-of-round or flared pipe elements, thereby increasing manufacturing costs and reducing compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The coupling design features angularly oriented surface portions on projections that allow pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly, using a ring gasket to support segments in spaced relation and enable pivotal movement, accommodating a wider range of pipe element tolerances through angularly oriented surfaces and notches for clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling segments are bolted together and the ring gasket is captured within the segments' channels before installation, then the coupling is ready for immediate installation without disassembly, but pipe elements with significant diameter tolerance variations or flare cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment during installation. The segments can pivot and move relative to each other to accommodate pipe elements with diameter variations or flare, while maintaining the ability to be pre-assembled and ready for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design allows for parameter changes in the spacing and relative position of segments during installation. By adjusting the distance and orientation of segments, the coupling can adapt to different pipe element dimensions while maintaining installation readiness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is disassembled for installation to accommodate pipe variations, then compatibility with various pipe elements is improved, but installation time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments incorporate movable joints that enable dynamic adjustment to accommodate pipe variations without requiring complete disassembly. This maintains compatibility while significantly reducing installation time by preserving the pre-assembled state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into segments that can independently adjust their position and orientation. This segmentation allows each segment to adapt to pipe variations locally without requiring the entire coupling to be disassembled and reassembled.
3Volume of moving object
If the segments are positioned close together for compact design, then the coupling size is reduced, but pipe elements with flare or out-of-round conditions cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are designed with dynamic positioning capability that allows them to move apart during insertion to accommodate flared or out-of-round pipe elements, then return to a compact configuration after installation, achieving both small size and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segments can nest closer together after installation to achieve a compact final size, while during installation they can be positioned in a more extended configuration to accommodate pipe elements with flare or out-of-round conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical coupling for joining pipe elements has segments joined end to end, each segment having projections with surface portions oriented angularly with respect to other surface portions to serve as a guide for the insertion of pipe elements between the segments when arranged in spaced apart relation around a ring gasket. A method of assembling a pipe joint includes engaging the surfaces with ends of the pipe elements and pivoting the segments relative to one another to permit insertion.