Pipe Coupling Sleeve Gasket Retention for Uniform Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling systems face challenges in providing a reliable and uniform seal, especially when dealing with pipes of varying diameters, and lack effective mechanisms to maintain gasket position and control seal pressure.
Innovation Solution
A conduit coupling assembly featuring arcuate clamp rings, middle rings with retention rims, and nested gaskets that allow for adjustable fitting and secure gasket retention, ensuring uniform seal pressure and preventing gasket movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe coupling systems are used with simple clamp rings and gaskets, then the device complexity is low, but the seal reliability is insufficient especially for pipes of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring is divided into multiple segments (first clamp ring portion, second clamp ring portion) that can independently adjust to accommodate varying pipe diameters. This segmentation allows each portion to conform to the pipe surface while maintaining sealing pressure, thereby improving seal reliability without requiring a completely complex new design
Solution Approach 2:
The middle ring is positioned within the clamp ring structure, with the first middle ring portion nested between the first clamp ring portion and the pipe. This nested arrangement allows the middle ring to provide additional sealing functionality while being integrated into the existing clamp ring framework, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable fitting mechanisms are added to accommodate varying pipe diameters, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp ring and middle ring are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities through their segmented structures. The first and second clamp ring portions can move relative to each other along the pipe surface, and the middle ring portions can independently position themselves, allowing the system to adapt to varying pipe diameters through controlled movement rather than requiring multiple fixed-size components
Solution Approach 2:
The middle ring serves multiple functions: it provides an additional sealing surface, accommodates varying pipe diameters through its segmented structure, and works in conjunction with the clamp ring to distribute sealing pressure. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple requirements, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If gasket retention mechanisms are added to prevent gasket movement, then the seal reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The middle ring portions are positioned at specific locations where gasket retention is most critical. The first middle ring portion is located between the first clamp ring portion and the pipe, creating a localized retention zone that prevents gasket movement without requiring retention mechanisms throughout the entire coupling assembly. This localized approach improves gasket position stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 assembly provides a reliable and uniform seal across varying pipe diameters, maintaining gasket position and enhancing seal reliability through controlled compression and retention, thereby preventing leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the first retention rim (85) of the first annular flange (23) of the middle ring (17) and the first retained portion (47) of the first outer surface (44) of the first gasket (25) forming a gasket retaining element restraining radial movement of the first side surface (41) of the first gasket (25)
Implementation Method 2
tightening the sleeve to the pipe sections compresses the gasket against the pipe ends, thereby sealing the pipe coupling to the pipes
Data Source
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AI summary
A conduit coupling assembly having an arcuate middle ring extending axially between first and second arcuate clamp rings, an arcuate gasket configured to be positioned radially between the first clamp ring and the fluid conduit, the middle ring comprising an outwardly extending annular flange disposed axially between and radially overlapping at least a portion of the first clamp ring and at least a portion the gasket, the annular flange comprising an axially extending retention rim axially overlapping and disposed radially between a first retained portion of the gasket and an opposed portion of the first clamp ring, the retention rim and the gasket forming a gasket retaining element restraining radial movement of a side surface of the gasket relative to the annular flange of the middle ring.