Pipe Coupling Bridging Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings face issues such as loss or difficulty in handling of separate bridging elements, increased manufacturing effort, potential damage to sealing inserts, and inadequate tightness due to separate components and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring a spacer element positively secured to the clamp band, which prevents the bridging element from damaging the sealing insert and ensures secure assembly, using either a separate spacer or an integral design within the clamp band, providing a stop for the bridging element's free end and maintaining alignment for easy assembly and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate bridging element is used to bridge the longitudinal slot, then the tightness of the pipe connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging element is integrated into the clamp band by forming it as an extension of the clamp band itself, eliminating the need for separate bridging components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the tightness function through the continuous structure that bridges the longitudinal slot effectively
2Reliability
If a separate bridging element is used, then the tightness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to loss risk and handling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bridging element as an extension of the clamp band, the solution eliminates the risk of losing separate components during assembly. The unified structure ensures that the bridging function is always present when the clamp band is installed, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining connection tightness
3Reliability
If the bridging element penetrates between the clamp band and sealing insert, then the tightness is improved, but the sealing insert may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bridging element is formed as a continuous extension of the clamp band, creating a unified structure that distributes clamping forces more evenly. This prevents concentrated stresses that could damage the sealing insert, while still achieving the necessary tightness by bridging the longitudinal slot effectively
4Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are provided on the clamp band, then the tightness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple separate sealing elements to the clamp band, the solution integrates the bridging function directly into the clamp band structure. This single integrated feature achieves the tightness improvement without the additional manufacturing costs associated with multiple sealing components
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 ensures reliable tightness of the pipe connection, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and prevents damage to the sealing insert, making the pipe coupling easier to assemble and manufacture while maintaining sufficient tensioning without deforming the pipe ends.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing element is provided at the free end of the clamp band
Implementation Method 2
a screw/nut arrangement is provided as a tensioning mechanism for reducing the inner diameter of the clamp band
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe coupling (11) for connecting two pipe ends, comprising a clamp band (12) having a longitudinal slot (31) with a first longitudinal slot side (32) and a second longitudinal slot side (33), a clamping mechanism (21) for reducing the inside diameter of the clamp band (12), and a bridging element (36) for bridging the longitudinal slot (31), which bridging element extends from the first longitudinal slot side (32) in the direction of the second longitudinal slot side (33). The bridging element (36) is provided on the inside of the clamp band (12) and extends from the first longitudinal slot side (32) in the direction of the second longitudinal slot side (33) over a curved portion, the length of the curved portion being smaller than the inner circumference of the clamp band. Furthermore, a distance element (41) running in a curved portion is fixed to the inside of the clamp band (12), the edge (42) of the distance element (41) facing towards the second longitudinal slot side (33) being spaced apart from said second longitudinal slot side (33), and said edge (42) of the distance element (41) forming a stop for a free end (37) of the bridging element (36).