Pipe Coupling Sleeve and Collar Assembly for Misaligned Multi-Diameter Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling and restraining devices are limited in their ability to establish longitudinally restrained connections for multi-diameter and/or multiple materials pipes, and they often fail to accommodate axial misalignments between pipe ends.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling and restraining device featuring a coupling sleeve, a clamping ring, and a collar assembly with wedge-shaped segments and an annular seal, which allows for axial compression to ensure sealing and restraint, while accommodating misalignments through adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pipe coupling devices are used, then mono-diameter and/or mono-material pipe connections are achieved, but multi-diameter and/or multi-material pipe connections cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple functional components: a body portion with a receiving cavity, a first collar for the first pipe, a second collar for the second pipe, and a fastening mechanism. Each component is optimized for specific functions, allowing the device to accommodate different pipe diameters and materials while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If non-restrained pipe connections are established, then axial misalignment is allowed, but longitudinal restraint is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The collars are pre-configured with gripping surfaces and positioning features that automatically engage with the pipes during installation. The fastening mechanism is pre-assembled with the body portion, allowing for quick attachment to the pipes while ensuring longitudinal restraint is established from the moment of connection, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
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 device effectively seals and restrains pipes of varying diameters and materials, while allowing for axial misalignments, thereby enhancing the reliability and ease of installation of pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
when the sleeve and clamping ring are axially compressed together, the collar assembly is pressed radially and axially, inwards into the pipe, such that the seal is compressed: radially between the collar assembly and the pipe, and axially between the collar assembly and the first annular abutment surface
Implementation Method 2
the gripper is slidably coupled to the support body for sliding forwardly and radially into the pipe for restraining the pipe when the pipe is pulled from the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present disclosure belongs to the field of restraining connections for pipe couplings. The present subject-matter discloses a pipe coupling to apply in structures for laying and restraining pipes with a circular cross section. In particular, the pipe coupling of the present disclosure may be used to establish longitudinally sealed and force-locked connections with PVC or PE pipes.