Pipe Coupling Using Composite Sleeve and Plastic Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe couplings face challenges with high costs and weight due to the use of brass, which can also contaminate drinking water and leach harmful agents, necessitating the need for more expensive materials that comply with regulations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design utilizing a stainless steel sleeve and plastic trailing body part, where the trailing end portion is formed after assembly, providing a frictional lock without requiring additional fastening, allowing for cost and weight savings while ensuring a secure, watertight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brass is used for manufacturing pipe couplings, then resistance to rust and corrosion is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate body parts (first body part and second body part) that are connected via a sleeve, allowing each part to be manufactured from different materials optimized for their specific functions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling uses composite construction with a stainless steel sleeve combined with plastic body parts, achieving both corrosion resistance and weight reduction through material combination
2Reliability
If brass is used for manufacturing pipe couplings, then resistance to rust and corrosion is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling uses composite construction with a stainless steel sleeve combined with plastic body parts, achieving both corrosion resistance and weight reduction through material combination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses more economical plastic materials for the body parts while maintaining durability through the stainless steel sleeve, reducing overall cost while preserving functional performance
3Strength
If brass material is used in pipe couplings, then structural integrity is maintained, but water flavour can be tainted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling uses composite construction with a stainless steel sleeve combined with plastic body parts, achieving both corrosion resistance and weight reduction through material combination
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different parts of the coupling - stainless steel for the sleeve where structural integrity and water contact are critical, and plastic for the body parts where aesthetic and cost considerations prevail
4Strength
If metals are used in pipe couplings, then structural strength is maintained, but harmful agents can leech into fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling uses composite construction with a stainless steel sleeve combined with plastic body parts, achieving both corrosion resistance and weight reduction through material combination
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different parts of the coupling - stainless steel for the sleeve where structural integrity and water contact are critical, and plastic for the body parts where aesthetic and cost considerations prevail
5Reliability
If additional fastening components are used, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously - it connects the two body parts, provides the frictional lock mechanism, and eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional lock mechanism creates a self-securing connection between the sleeve and body parts through inclined surfaces, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and simplifying the overall device structure
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 reduces manufacturing complexity, eliminates the need for expensive materials, and minimizes the risk of water contamination, offering a cost-effective, lightweight, and secure piping solution that adheres to regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
The inclined outer surface portion of the trailing body part and the second inclined portion of the sleeve can advantageously provide a form of connection, attachment or lock between the trailing body part and the sleeve by frictional engagement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A coupling (10) for receiving and retaining the end of a conduit. The coupling (10) includes a leading body part (12), a grab ring (14), a sealing ring (16), a trailing body part (18) and a sleeve (11). The trailing body part (18) has an outer surface portion (46) which is inclined to diverge outwardly and a rear face (20) that extends from a trailing end of the outer surface (46), and that faces axially. The sleeve (11) extends circumferentially around the leading body part (12), the grab ring (14), the sealing ring (16) and the trailing body part (18). The sleeve (11) includes a forward end (24) for engaging the leading body part (12) a first axial portion (23) which extends from the forward end (24), an inclined portion (22) which extends from the axial portion (23) and which is inclined complimentary to the outer surface portion (46). The sleeve (11) further includes a trailing end portion (21) that extends from the inclined portion (22) to overlie the rear face (20) of the trailing body part (18) in close facing relationship. The sleeve (11) is operable to resist movement of the leading and trailing body parts (12, 18) axially away from each other.