Pipe Coupling Encapsulation Seal for Bell Joint Leak Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling seals are ineffective in sealing over existing bell joints and sleeve joints due to lack of internal space, limiting their ability to address leaks without interrupting pipe flow.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric ring with annular pipe interface portions extending along the axial length, coupled with a keeper element and a repair coupling band, ensures comprehensive sealing by abutting edges when clamped, accommodating various pipe diameters and maintaining seal under vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional seals are used externally over existing couplings or bell joints, then the seal cannot be applied due to lack of internal space, but the invention provides a seal that fits over existing joints
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal is nested within the metal encapsulation assembly, allowing the seal to be contained within a compact structure that can fit over existing pipe joints. The metal half-rings form an outer shell that encloses the elastomeric sealing components, enabling the entire assembly to fit over bell joints and sleeve joints without requiring internal space within the seal itself.
2Reliability
If seals are placed only at the ends of the assembly, then the structure is simpler, but there is no elastomer coverage over the axial length to provide comprehensive sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal is segmented into multiple functional portions: two elastomeric annular pipe interface portions at the ends and an elastomeric intermediate annular portion in the middle. Each segment serves a specific sealing function, with the intermediate portion providing axial length coverage and the end portions providing radial sealing at the pipe interfaces. This segmentation allows comprehensive sealing while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the elastomeric seal have different properties and functions tailored to their specific locations. The pipe interface portions have smaller annular radii to match the pipe outer contours, while the intermediate portion has a larger annular radius to accommodate the bell joint or sleeve joint. This local differentiation optimizes sealing effectiveness at each location along the axial length.
3Reliability
If the elastomeric seal edges overlap when clamped, then the seal may be compromised, but ensuring proper abutment without overlap adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper element acts as an intermediary component between the metal encapsulation assembly and the elastomeric seal. It includes a first portion that circumferentially extends over the edges of the elastomeric intermediate annular portion and a second portion extending radially inwards, physically preventing the elastomeric edges from overlapping when the assembly is clamped. This intermediary structure ensures proper seal integrity without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 provides a reliable and flow-interrupting-free sealing mechanism for pipes and joints, effectively addressing leaks and repairs across different pipe sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric ring including two elastomeric annular pipe interface portions that extend from two opposite axial ends of an elastomeric intermediate annular portion
Implementation Method 2
opposing clamp members extending outwards from ends of the band, the elastomeric ring being radially inwards of the band
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling encapsulation assembly includes an elastomeric ring including two elastomeric annular pipe interface portions that extend from two opposite axial ends of an elastomeric intermediate annular portion. The elastomeric annular pipe interface portions have a smaller annular radius than an annular radius of the elastomeric intermediate annular portion. Each of the elastomeric annular pipe interface portions and the elastomeric intermediate annular portion includes edges that face each other when the elastomeric ring is placed around a pipe. A repair coupling includes a band and opposing clamp members extending outwards from ends of the band, the elastomeric ring being radially inwards of the band.