Pipe Coupling Seal Assembly With Redundant Leak Barriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Leakage issues in pipe coupling systems are common and often difficult to address, especially in under-sink drain systems, where leaks can account for up to 80% of the problems, and existing solutions are not always effective for consumers or professionals.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling assembly featuring a socket with multiple sealing surfaces and a locking ring that compresses to form a liquid-tight seal, providing multiple lines of defense against leaks, including a rim sealing surface and socket sealing surfaces, which are designed to be easy to use and require minimal expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional single-seal pipe coupling is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of the seal is insufficient leading to frequent leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent sealing surfaces (rim sealing surface, first socket sealing surface, second socket sealing surface) that work together to provide redundant sealing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability even if one sealing surface fails, while keeping each individual sealing element relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates multiple sealing surfaces as a preemptive measure against leakage. By providing redundant sealing paths before a leak can occur, the system compensates for potential failures in advance, ensuring reliability without requiring complex active monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex multi-component coupling system is used, then the seal reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring specialized tools and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated socket structure that receives the pipe end. The locking ring integrates both the sealing compression function and the mechanical locking function, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the installation process to a single insertion and tightening action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed to automatically compress the sealing surfaces against the pipe end when tightened, self-regulating the sealing pressure without requiring precise control by the installer. The angled compression surfaces guide the sealing elements into proper contact, making the system self-aligning and forgiving of installation variations.
3Loss of substance
If traditional pipe coupling methods are used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the loss of substance occurs due to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into multiple discrete sealing surfaces formed on different surfaces of the socket and locking ring. This segmentation allows each sealing surface to be manufactured independently using standard machining operations, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing multiple barriers to leakage that reduce substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple sealing surfaces act as preemptive barriers against leakage, preventing liquid loss before it can occur. By incorporating redundant sealing paths in the design phase, the system compensates for potential manufacturing variations or wear without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 solution effectively reduces leakage by creating multiple liquid-tight seals around the pipe end portion, making it easier for both consumers and professionals to achieve a reliable connection without the need for complex adjustments or specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the locking ring from the unlocked to the locked condition draws the flange toward the rim sealing surface. The flange compresses the rim sealing surface to form the liquid-tight seal around the first end portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling assembly for coupling a first end portion of a first pipe with a second pipe includes a socket formed on an end of the second pipe and a locking ring. The socket includes a rim defining an end opening through which at least a portion of the first end portion is inserted, the rim including a rim sealing surface adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion. The socket also includes a sleeve portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior space for receiving the first end portion, the interior surface comprising at least two socket sealing surfaces adapted to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion. The locking ring is adapted to cause the rim sealing surface to compress to form a liquid-tight seal around the first end portion.