Wide-Range Pipe Coupling With Expandable Gasket Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings are often difficult to install due to the need for precise bolt tightening and can be incompatible with pipes of different diameters and standards, leading to leaks and sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A wide range coupling system featuring a spreader mechanism, expandable gasket assembly, and joint restraint assembly that includes a gripper and spring, allowing for easy installation and compatibility with a range of pipe diameters through telescoping end rings and gaskets that can stretch to accommodate varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe couplings with multiple bolts are used, then the connection can be secure and reliable, but the installation becomes time-consuming and difficult due to the need for precise bolt tightening in a star pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex multi-bolt tightening system from traditional pipe couplings. Instead of requiring multiple bolts to be tightened in a specific star pattern, the coupling uses a simplified single-bolt or tool-actuated mechanism that achieves the same sealing function without the cumbersome tightening procedure, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to self-align and self-seal when the single fastening element is engaged. The gasket and coupling body are configured so that proper sealing is achieved automatically through the mechanical action of inserting and tightening the single bolt, eliminating the need for operator skill in distributing bolt tension evenly across multiple fasteners
2Manufacturing precision
If pipe couplings are designed to fit specific pipe diameter ranges, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the couplings become incompatible with pipes of different diameters or manufactured to different standards
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through telescoping end rings and an adjustable gasket mechanism. The gasket can be positioned and adjusted axially to accommodate different pipe outer diameters while maintaining optimal sealing contact. This dynamic adjustability allows the same coupling design to work across a wide range of pipe sizes and standards (ASME, JIS, DIN) without compromising sealing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design achieves universality by incorporating features that adapt to multiple pipe standards and diameters. The telescoping end rings and adjustable gasket positioning system enable a single coupling type to function with pipes of varying dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized couplings for different pipe standards while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment ranges
3Reliability
If gaskets are made rigid to maintain seal integrity, then the seal reliability improves, but the gaskets cannot accommodate variations in pipe diameter, manufacturing tolerance, or ovality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs flexible gasket materials and designs that can deform to accommodate pipe diameter variations, manufacturing tolerances, and ovality. The gasket is configured to flex and conform to the actual pipe surface geometry while maintaining sufficient contact pressure for reliable sealing. This flexibility allows the gasket to adapt to imperfect or varying pipe surfaces without compromising seal integrity, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for seal strength and flexibility for tolerance accommodation
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 system provides a reliable seal across a wide range of pipe diameters, simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for precise bolt tightening, and ensures compatibility with pipes manufactured to different standards, reducing the risk of leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring engaging the gripper, the spring biasing the gripper inwards towards the axis
Implementation Method 2
gaskets that can stretch to accommodate varying sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a coupling that may include a spreader mechanism. The coupling may include an expandable gasket assembly comprising: a gasket; and an axially movable coupling coupled to the gasket and the spreader mechanism. In some aspects, a joint restraint assembly can comprise a gripper within a restraint base defining a restraint pocket. The gripper can be configured to rotate within the restraint pocket to engage a pipe inserted into the body bore.