Pipe Coupling Gasket Radial Compression Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling technologies face challenges in forming a reliable, fluid-tight seal between pipe segments, particularly due to variations in pipe dimensions and material properties, which can lead to leaks and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a gasket with annular or ring-type design and a housing with a tapered inner surface, featuring a medial axis, sealing lips, and a transition portion that compresses radially to form a seal, along with notches that apply a radially inward force to the gasket, ensuring a secure engagement with the pipe segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rigid coupling system is used, then the structural strength is maintained, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to variations in pipe dimensions and material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is designed with non-uniform thickness parameters, being thicker at the lateral sides and thinner at the medial axis, allowing it to deform and adapt to varying pipe dimensions while maintaining sealing contact. This parameter variation enables the gasket to accommodate dimensional tolerances in different pipe materials and manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket functions as a flexible element that can deform under compression to conform to the actual geometry of the pipe joints. This flexibility allows the sealing surface to adapt to irregularities in pipe dimensions and material properties, ensuring reliable sealing across different pipe types.
2Reliability
If the gasket thickness is increased to improve sealing, then the sealing capability is enhanced, but the compression force distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket exhibits local quality variation through its non-uniform thickness profile. The thicker lateral sides provide enhanced sealing capability at the critical sealing lips, while the thinner medial axis allows for better compression force distribution and deformation into the joint cavity, optimizing both sealing and force distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple gasket design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the seal formation under internal pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket's non-uniform thickness parameter (thicker at sides, thinner at center) is a relatively simple geometric modification that can be implemented through standard manufacturing processes. This parameter change enables the gasket to deform under internal pressure and form reliable seals without requiring complex multi-component designs or specialized materials.
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 effectively maintains a fluid-tight seal across varying pipe dimensions and materials, enhancing the durability and reliability of the pipe joint by ensuring proper contact and compression of the gasket, even under internal fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
radially compressing a tapered inner surface of a housing component on a gasket disposed within a cavity defined by the inner surface
Implementation Method 2
The linear segment preferably defines a positive slope in the direction toward the medial axis... radially compressing... on a gasket... to form a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling arrangement that includes a gasket seal and a housing having a first lateral side for receiving a first pipe segment and a second lateral side for receiving a second pipe segment, the second lateral side being spaced from the first lateral side to define a medial axis of the housing. An inner surface of the housing defines a cavity for engaging and housing a gasket seal disposed about the first and second pipe segments. The gasket seal includes a peripheral surface and inner surface which can include features than engage both the housing and the pipe segments to form a fluid tight pipe joint assembly.