Pipe Coupling Guide Tab Annular Groove Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings require both pipe ends for a secure fit, leading to separate marketing and transportation of pipes and coupling clips, which can result in damage during transport and loss of clips, especially in underground applications.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring an annular groove on the male part with a guide tab on the coupling clip, allowing for a form- and force-fit connection when the clip is placed on the female part only, eliminating the need for separate clips and ensuring secure fitting without axial play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coupling clips are supplied separately from pipes, then the pipe coupling can be assembled flexibly, but the coupling clips can be lost or damaged during transport and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling clip and pipe into a single integrated unit by pre-mounting the coupling clip onto the pipe. This merging eliminates the risk of separate clips being lost or damaged during transport while maintaining the flexibility of the coupling system, as the clip is securely attached to its intended pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling clip is pre-assembled onto the pipe before delivery, performing the assembly action in advance. This preliminary action ensures the clip is securely positioned and cannot be lost or damaged separately, while still allowing flexible assembly when the pipe is installed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling clip requires both pipe ends for a secure fit, then the connection is stable, but the clip cannot be securely attached to a single pipe end
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the coupling clip with guiding surfaces and the pipe with corresponding receptacles. This segmentation allows the clip to be independently attached to a single pipe end while maintaining stability through the designed interfacing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces and receptacles act as intermediary elements that enable secure attachment of the coupling clip to a single pipe end. These intermediary features provide the necessary mechanical engagement and stability without requiring both pipe ends to be present.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coupling design is simplified to reduce cost and size, then manufacturing and transport are easier, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling clip incorporates self-aligning guiding surfaces that automatically center and orient the clip on the pipe during assembly. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex alignment mechanisms or additional adjustment components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces are designed with conical or curved geometries that provide self-centering action. This curvature allows the coupling clip to automatically align with the pipe axis during insertion, ensuring reliable connection without requiring complex precision manufacturing or additional alignment components.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling for connecting two pipe ends having two coupling parts which are partially mated. At least one annular groove having an inserted seal is in the contact region on the outer side of the male part and/or the inner side of the female part. The male part includes an outer ring land and the female part includes a shoulder enclosed by a coupling clip in a form-fit manner when the pipe coupling is closed. In order to design and refine the pipe coupling so that it is possible to provide a pipe having a coupling clip in combination for simplifying the operational procedure, an annular groove is provided on the outer side of the female part into which a guide tab disposed on the inner side of the coupling clip is inserted when the pipe coupling is closed.