Pipe Coupling Shell and Bladder Assembly for Leak-Proof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting apparatuses lack an efficient and reliable method for fluidly coupling multiple pipes together while ensuring a secure and leak-proof seal, as they often rely on cumbersome fastening means such as welding, threading, or sliding engagements.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bladder comprising interconnected tubes with open ends, surrounded by a rigid shell with attachable portions and collars that compress the tube lips to form seals with pipes, allowing for fluid coupling and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening means (welding, threading, sliding engagement) are used to couple pipes, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can be separately assembled around the bladder and pipes. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection strength, as each portion can be independently positioned and secured with collars.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible bladder with interconnected tubes is used as the core sealing element. The flexible nature of the bladder allows it to conform to the pipes and maintain seals without requiring complex rigid fastening mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while preserving connection integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening means (welding, threading) are used to couple pipes, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bladder with pre-formed tubes and sealing lips is manufactured beforehand with integrated sealing features. The collars are designed with threading that automatically engages with the shell portions, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable seals through the pre-configured flexible bladder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder acts as an intermediary sealing element between the rigid shell portions and pipes. It provides the seal function without requiring direct metal-to-metal contact or complex fastening, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining seal reliability through its compliant nature.
3Strength
If rigid shell with attachable portions is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is segmented into multiple attachable portions that can be configured in different arrangements (e.g., T-configuration, cross-configuration). This allows the same basic rigid shell design to adapt to different pipe layout requirements while maintaining structural strength through the modular assembly approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid shell portions and collars are designed as universal components that can be assembled in various configurations to accommodate different pipe arrangements. The same basic components serve multiple functions and configurations, providing adaptability without sacrificing structural strength.
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 enables efficient and secure fluid coupling of pipes with a reliable seal, reducing the complexity and potential leaks associated with traditional fastening methods, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
collars which compress the tube lips to form seals with the pipes
Implementation Method 2
a flexible bladder which comprises a plurality of tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting apparatus for fluidly coupling a plurality of pipes together includes a flexible bladder which fluidly couples a plurality of pipes together. A rigid shell is positionable around the bladder in an attachment position. The rigid shell comprises two portions which are couplable to each other to position the shell in the attachment position. Collars are provided which threadably attach to the rigid shell.