Pipe Coupling Connection Rings for Easy Installation and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling designs are difficult to install, requiring disassembly and assembly steps, and often result in gasket stretching due to the inner diameter being smaller than the pipe diameter, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and connection integrity.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system featuring coupling segments with ring grooves and compressible pipe connection rings that allow for sliding and tightening without disassembly, using a gasket with sealing ridges and channels to ensure fluid sealing and prevent separation of pipe elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe coupling designs are used with inner diameter smaller than pipe diameter, then sealing is achieved through gasket stretching, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling by making the inner diameter equal to or larger than the pipe outer diameter, eliminating the need for gasket stretching while maintaining sealing through the gasket's natural compression between the pipe and coupling walls
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the stretching action from the installation process by removing the constraint of a smaller inner diameter, allowing the gasket to install in its natural state without deformation during assembly
2Reliability
If pipe coupling requires disassembly and assembly steps, then connection integrity can be maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-positioned within the coupling before the pipe is inserted, so that when the pipe enters the coupling, the gasket is already in place to provide sealing, eliminating the need for separate disassembly and reassembly steps while maintaining connection integrity
3Strength
If gasket stretching is used to achieve sealing, then connection is secured, but gasket deformation occurs leading to potential sealing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional parameter of the coupling's inner diameter to be equal to or larger than the pipe's outer diameter, which eliminates gasket stretching during installation and prevents deformation-related sealing failures while maintaining connection strength through proper gasket compression
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
Facilitates easier installation by eliminating the need for disassembly, enhances sealing efficacy through compressible rings and gasket design, and maintains connection integrity under various forces, including those from fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe connection ring disposed within the ring groove, the pipe connection ring being compressible in a radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling includes first and second coupling segments, an inner surface of each of the first and second coupling segments defining first and second ring grooves, the inner surface of each of the first and second coupling segments including transition portions on either side of the respective ring grooves, each of the first and second ring grooves defining a groove bottom surface positioned radially outward from each of the respective transition portions; a first pipe connection ring disposed within the first ring groove and a second pipe connection ring disposed within the second ring groove, each of the respective pipe connection rings including: an outer flange aligned with an axial direction of the respective pipe connection ring and received within the respective ring groove; and an inner flange connected to the outer flange and angled with respect to the outer flange.