Pipe Coupling with Flexible Sleeve for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long piping runs in buildings, such as those found in high-rise structures, experience significant expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, leading to structural issues like pipe breaking and dislodged fire stopping systems, and existing expansion couplings are cumbersome to install and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system comprising a rigid cylindrical member, a flexible cylindrical member with a central tubular component and flexible sleeves, and hose clamps, which allows for easy installation and secure connection of pipes, accommodating expansion and contraction while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hard rubber tube expansion couplings are used, then pipe expansion and contraction can be absorbed, but the installation becomes cumbersome and peripheral pressure buildup occurs leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple segments: a rigid cylindrical member for structural support, flexible cylindrical members for expansion absorption, and flexible sleeves for pipe connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible cylindrical members and flexible sleeves made of elastic material that can expand and contract to accommodate pipe movement. These flexible components replace the traditional hard rubber tube, providing both reliability and ease of installation through their adaptive nature.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional expansion couplings are used, then pipe expansion can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cylindrical members are disposed within the rigid cylindrical member, creating a nested structure. This nesting arrangement allows the flexible components to provide expansion accommodation while the rigid outer structure maintains overall device simplicity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device combines rigid cylindrical members (providing structural strength) with flexible cylindrical members and flexible sleeves (providing expansion adaptability). This composite structure achieves both expansion accommodation and device simplicity by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
3Reliability
If pipe testing sections are permanently installed, then pipe integrity can be tested, but the testing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates flexible components that can dynamically expand and contract, allowing the same device to serve both as a permanent coupling and as a temporary testing section. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for separate permanent testing sections, reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it acts as a permanent expansion coupling during normal operation and can be converted into a testing section when needed. The flexible sleeves can be inflated to create a water-tight testing chamber, allowing the same device to perform both coupling and testing functions without requiring separate 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 effectively manages pipe expansion and contraction, preventing structural damage and allowing for easy installation and reuse as a pipe tester, ensuring the integrity of piping systems in high-rise buildings.
Implementation Method 1
Architectural piping systems, such as PVC drain piping in multi-story buildings, are subject to expansion and contraction, which can result from changes in temperature.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible cylindrical member includes a unitary central tubular member disposed within a portion of the rigid cylindrical member
Implementation Method 3
The first hose clamp is disposed about the first flexible sleeve and is configured to secure the first flexible sleeve to the first pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling includes a rigid cylindrical member, a flexible cylindrical member and a hose clamp. The flexible cylindrical member includes a central tubular member within the rigid cylindrical member. A flexible sleeve extends beyond the rigid cylindrical member and has an inside diameter that is complimentary to a pipe. The sleeve has a first position in which the sleeve is folded back onto the rigid cylindrical member and a second position in which the sleeve is unfolded so as to envelope an end of the first pipe. The central tubular member includes a ledge that has an inside diameter corresponding to an inside diameter of the pipe.