Pipe Coupling Assembly with Dual-Durometer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe coupling methods, such as those using clay tile and corrugated plastic piping, face issues with forming a reliable fluid-tight seal due to high friction forces and deflection of pipe sections, leading to potential leaks and structural weaknesses under fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling assembly featuring a unitary annular body with varying durometer materials for different sections, incorporating elastomeric sealing members and reinforcing structures, which allows for a flexible and secure fluid-tight connection without the need for specialized end configurations like bells and spigots, using clamping assemblies to compress and lock the assembly in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastomeric gasket is placed around the spigot to form a fluid-tight seal, then sealing capability is improved, but friction force increases and causes the gasket to be pulled from position and the bell to deflect
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates different materials with different durometer values in different regions: a harder material (higher durometer) for the body providing structural strength, and a softer material (lower durometer) for the sealing surface providing low-friction sealing. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable sealing and reduced friction in their respective locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device uses a composite construction combining two materials with different properties - a rigid material for structural support and a elastomeric material for sealing. This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve high friction resistance through the rigid structure and low friction sealing through the elastomeric component.
2Ease of operation
If the bell is designed with inner diameter greater than outer diameter of spigot to allow insertion, then ease of installation is improved, but the bell deflects away from the gasket during insertion creating leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter (durometer) of the sealing surface to be softer than traditional rigid bells. This allows the sealing surface to deform elastically during spigot insertion, maintaining contact with the gasket while still allowing easy insertion. The softer material accommodates the dimensional mismatch without creating deflection-induced leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing surface acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the mechanical stress during insertion. The material's elasticity provides a cushioning effect that prevents the rigid bell from deflecting away from the gasket, maintaining seal integrity throughout the insertion process.
3Productivity
If clay tile sections are used to achieve desired drainage level, then drainage capability is improved, but installation becomes labor-intensive and sections are heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a segmented system that connects standard pipe sections without requiring specialized bell-end formations. This segmentation allows use of simpler, lighter pipe sections that are easier to handle and install, while the coupling device provides the necessary connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, heavy, labor-intensive clay tile sections with simpler, lighter corrugated plastic piping sections combined with a coupling device. The coupling device serves as the permanent connection element, allowing the use of easier-to-install pipe sections.
4Ease of operation
If corrugated plastic piping is used to reduce weight and simplify installation, then ease of installation is improved, but specialized end configurations (bells and spigots) are required for mating connections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it provides the sealing interface, the clamping mechanism, and the connection geometry. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized bell and spigot end configurations on the pipe sections themselves, as the coupling device provides all necessary connection features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming specialized end configurations on the pipe sections (bells and spigots), the invention inverts the approach by placing the specialized connection geometry on a separate coupling device that connects to simple pipe ends. This reverses where the complexity is located.
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, flexible, and cost-effective fluid-tight seal across varying pipe lengths and diameters, reducing the risk of leaks and structural weaknesses, while eliminating the need for specialized end connections, thus enhancing the durability and ease of installation of pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second lateral portions are made from a second material having a second durometer relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material
Implementation Method 2
A large friction force is typically encountered when the spigot, having an elastomeric gasket is inserted into the bell
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler assembly (10) and method of manufacture (10) for use with pipe comprising a unitary annular body (20) forming first and second cylindrical openings for surrounding a pipe or piping sections to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal therein. The unitary annular body (20) comprises a medial portion (64) formed from a first material having a first durometer and first and second lateral portions (56, 58) integrally connected to opposite ends of the medial portion (64). The first and second lateral portions (56, 58) are made from a second material having a second durometer relatively higher than the first durometer of the first material. The coupler assembly (10) further comprises at least one clamping assembly (26) surrounding the unitary annular body member (20) adapted for compressing the coupler assembly (10) into a fluid-tight seal.