Pipe Coupling Gasket Structure for Sealing and Pull-Out Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for joining pipe segments in drain, waste, and vent piping applications often struggle with secure sealing and resistance to pull-out forces, leading to potential leaks and instability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a shield, a clamping band, and an elastomeric gasket with specific thickened regions, a circumferential support band, and sealing ribs, which provides a secure seal and enhanced resistance to pull-out forces by maintaining contact with the pipe and distributing force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional coupling design is used to join pipe segments, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealing reliability is insufficient and resistance to pull-out forces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket is segmented into multiple functional regions including thickened regions for radial engagement, circumferential support bands for structural integrity, and sealing ribs for leakage prevention. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, improving sealing reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket features localized thickened regions with different properties in different areas - the first thickened region provides radial engagement with the pipe, the circumferential support band provides structural support, and the second thickened region provides additional sealing. This local differentiation of properties enhances overall sealing performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire coupling structure
2Force
If a traditional coupling design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the resistance to pull-out forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket is pre-formed with specific geometric features including thickened regions and circumferential support bands before installation. These pre-configured features are designed to engage with the pipe and coupling components in a predetermined manner, ensuring optimal force distribution and pull-out resistance without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system combines different materials with complementary properties - the elastomeric gasket provides flexibility and sealing, while the rigid coupling components provide structural strength. This composite approach enhances pull-out resistance by distributing forces across multiple material types, and the modular nature maintains manufacturing simplicity
3Reliability
If the clamping band is tightened to improve sealing, then the sealing performance improves, but the pipe may be damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric gasket acts as a flexible element that deforms under clamping force to create a seal against the pipe and coupling components. This flexible intermediary distributes the clamping force over a larger area and in a more gradual manner, achieving effective sealing while preventing concentration of stress that could damage the rigid pipe structure
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric gasket serves as an intermediary between the rigid clamping band and the pipe, mediating the force transmission. The gasket's elastic properties allow it to compress and conform to the pipe surface, creating a seal without transmitting excessive point loads to the pipe wall that would cause deformation or damage
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 coupling design achieves improved sealing and increased resistance to pull-out forces, ensuring a secure connection between pipe segments and reducing the risk of leaks and instability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric gasket configured to lie between the shield and the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a sealing rib coupled to a radially inner surface of the circumferential support band and arranged to lie within the groove in contact with the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling is configured to connect to an end of a pipe. The coupling includes a shield configured to surround the end of the pipe, a clamping band configured to be tightened around the shield and the end of the pipe, and an elastomeric gasket configured to lie between the shield and the pipe. The elastomeric gasket includes a first thickened region, a second thickened region spaced apart from the first thickened region, a circumferential support band interconnecting the first and second thickened regions, the circumferential support band being spaced apart from the pipe before the clamping band is tightened to provide a groove between the first and second thickened regions, and a sealing rib coupled to a radially inner surface of the circumferential support band and arranged to lie within the groove in contact with the pipe.