Pipe Press Coupling Locking with Rubber-Elastic Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe compression couplings face challenges in securely connecting multi-layer pipes, particularly with larger diameters, as they require precise fitting accuracy and can be prone to unlocking under tensile forces, which complicates the locking mechanism and increases the risk of layer separation in multi-layer pipes under mechanical loads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rubber-elastic ring below the spring ring in the ring groove reduces the fitting accuracy requirements and ensures reliable locking by allowing the compression sleeve to be pushed on with lower axial forces, while the rubber-elastic material keeps the spring ring in a locked position, and a stepped annular groove design prevents the spring ring from being released by tensile forces, ensuring the compression sleeve is axially fixed between the support and union compression sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements are designed with small tolerances to ensure reliable locking, then locking reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a rubber-elastic ring that changes the physical state of the locking mechanism from rigid to flexible. The ring's elasticity allows it to deform and adapt to dimensional variations in the locking elements, enabling reliable locking with larger tolerances and simpler manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines rigid locking elements with a flexible rubber-elastic ring to create a composite locking system. This composite structure leverages the strength of the rigid elements and the compliance of the rubber ring to achieve reliable locking without requiring high-precision manufacturing.
2Reliability
If axial forces are increased to ensure compression sleeve locks onto stop flange, then locking reliability is improved, but risk of layer separation in multi-layer pipes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rubber-elastic ring changes the force transmission characteristics by providing a compliant interface. This allows the locking mechanism to engage reliably while distributing the axial forces more evenly, preventing the high localized stresses that would cause layer separation in multi-layer pipes.
3Ease of operation
If spring ring is used for locking, then ease of operation is improved, but locking may release under strong tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the spring ring's elastic recovery force with the rubber-elastic ring's compliance and friction. This composite locking system maintains ease of operation while the rubber ring's friction and deformation capability prevent release under strong tensile forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber-elastic ring acts as an intermediary between the spring ring and the locking elements. It transmits the spring ring's locking force while its friction and deformation properties prevent the spring ring from releasing under tensile loads, thereby stabilizing the locking mechanism.
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
This solution allows for reliable and secure connection of multi-layer pipes with reduced axial forces required for locking, minimizing the risk of layer separation and maintaining the connection even under high mechanical loads, while also simplifying the manufacturing process with rotationally symmetrical designs.
Implementation Method 1
The ring made of rubber-elastic material below the spring ring in the ring groove significantly reduces the requirements for the fitting accuracy of the locking elements. The ring made of rubber-elastic material yields, and that the locking mechanism does not easily come loose
Implementation Method 2
the locking mechanism does not easily come loose because the ring made of rubber-elastic material keeps the spring ring permanently in one lock position holds
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The pipe press coupling has a support sleeve (11) fitted in a pipe end (10) and a coupler-press sleeve (12) fitted directly or in between a crushing sleeve at the pipe end. A locking unit is provided for fixing the coupler-press sleeve or the crushing sleeve in axial direction relative to the support sleeve. A ring formed of rubbery-elastic material is arranged in a ring groove (16), which separates a snap ring (18) from base of the ring groove. An independent claim is also included for a method for attaching a pipe press coupling at a pipe end of a multi-layer pipe, particularly multi-layer composite pipe.