Grooved Pipe Coupling Hold-Open Clip for Faster Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grooved pipe couplings require complex in-situ assembly and lack efficient mechanisms to maintain housing segments in proper alignment during installation, leading to potential misalignment and gasket deformation, which increases installation time and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hold open clip that maintains the coupling housing segments in a spaced apart configuration using a clip with a mounting portion and tabs, allowing for easier pipe insertion and preventing gasket deformation, along with a wedge mechanism that ensures proper alignment and sealing when tightened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If housing segments are kept closed in preassembled state, then alignment and stability are improved, but pipe insertion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling housing is designed with a dynamic opening mechanism that allows the housing segments to be held in an open position during installation using a hold-open device, and then automatically closes when the pipe is inserted and secured. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by providing stability when needed (closed state for alignment) and ease of operation when needed (open state for pipe insertion).
2Ease of operation
If housing segments are kept open for pipe insertion, then installation ease is improved, but misalignment and gasket deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A hold-open device acts as an intermediary mechanism that temporarily maintains the housing segments in an open position during pipe insertion, preventing premature closure that would cause misalignment. The device includes a arm that engages with the housing segments to hold them open, allowing easy pipe insertion while preventing the segments from shifting or misaligning.
3Strength
If traditional bolting methods are used, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling components are preassembled at the factory with the gasket positioned and the housing segments prepared for connection. The hold-open device is pre-installed to maintain the open position during shipping and handling. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations, reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength through pre-positioned bolting holes and alignment features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an installation ready housing type pipe coupling for creating a sealed connection between coaxial groove ended pipes, a hold open clip for the coupling, and other modifications and improvements thereof. The coupling comprises a first and second housing segments creating a cavity, a gasket provided within the cavity, a first and second bolts and nuts connecting the hosing segments at opposite ends, and a hold open clip. The first nut is affixed to the first bolt. The second nut can be adjusted along the second bolt. The hold open clip helps to attach the two housing segments in the preassembled state while keeping the coupling open. The hold open clip may also indicate a proper installation of the coupling.