Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling for Leak-Safe Manual Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling systems require complex assembly and deformation of segments to secure pipe ends, which can be cumbersome and prone to leaks due to inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled pipe coupling with a housing and gasket that includes manually manipulatable segments and attachment mechanisms, allowing for easy insertion and secure sealing of pipe ends without the need for deformation, using a gasket with sealing lips and pipe engagement members to form a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe coupling systems use complex assembly and deformation of segments, then the pipe ends can be secured, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and prone to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-assembled within the housing before the coupling is installed on the pipe ends. The gasket is positioned in the correct orientation and location within the housing, and the housing segments are pre-connected with fasteners. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex deformation and manipulation during installation, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then connected together. This segmentation allows the coupling to be manipulated into various configurations (open, closed, inverted V) to facilitate easy installation while maintaining structural integrity and sealing capability, thus reducing assembly complexity without compromising reliability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional pipe coupling systems require deformation of segments, then the pipe ends can be secured, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The housing segments are pre-assembled with fasteners and the gasket is pre-positioned within the housing before installation. This eliminates the need for time-consuming deformation and manipulation during the actual installation process, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of operation through the ability to manipulate the pre-assembled unit into different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling can be manipulated into different dynamic configurations (open, closed, inverted V) during installation to facilitate easy positioning and alignment with pipe ends. This dynamic manipulability reduces installation complexity and time, while the final secured configuration ensures proper sealing and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If traditional pipe coupling systems use inadequate sealing mechanisms, then the assembly can be simple, but leaks occur at the pipe joint
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is integrated with the housing as a pre-assembled unit, combining the sealing function with the structural housing. This merging ensures that the gasket is always properly positioned and oriented within the housing, guaranteeing reliable sealing while simplifying the manufacturing process by treating the gasket-housing assembly as a single integrated component rather than separate parts requiring precise alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is positioned at the specific location within the housing where sealing is required, with its sealing surface oriented toward the pipe joint. This localized placement of the sealing function ensures reliable sealing at the critical interface while allowing the rest of the housing structure to be manufactured independently, balancing sealing reliability with manufacturing ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-assembled pipe coupling includes a gasket, a housing surrounding the gasket, and a fastener. The housing has three segments sequentially coupled to each other to define an insertion boundary. A first segment includes a first mount extending lateral in a first direction from the wall and having a plurality of first lateral walls that define a first aperture, and a second mount extending laterally in a second direction from the wall, the second mount having a plurality of second lateral walls that define a second aperture. A second segment includes a first hook disposed in the first aperture and a first tab defining a first fastener aperture. A third segment includes a second hook disposed in the second aperture and a second tab defining a second fastener aperture. The fastener is disposed through the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture.