Pipe Coupling With Nested Seal For Varying Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings face challenges in efficiently joining pipes of varying diameters and maintaining a secure, leak-proof seal, especially when dealing with pipes of different sizes or materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring a cylindrical barrel sleeve with circumferential flanges and clamping rings that include nested seals, allowing for adjustable sealing and secure connection through a pivot mechanism, enabling the clamping rings to become 'unitary' upon tightening, and accommodating pipes with diameters ranging from four to twelve inches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single seal is used in the clamping ring, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot provide adequate sealing for pipes of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested seal configuration where an inner seal is positioned within an outer seal. The inner seal has an inner diameter adapted to engage with smaller pipes, while the outer seal engages with larger pipes. This nested arrangement allows a single clamping ring structure to accommodate pipes of varying diameters effectively, resolving the contradiction between sealing adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is divided into separate functional segments - an inner seal portion and an outer seal portion - each optimized for different diameter ranges. This segmentation allows the sealing system to adapt to varying pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall clamping ring structure, as each segment can be independently designed and positioned.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clamping ring is made as a single unitary structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot be easily opened for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is divided into two or more separable portions that can be opened relative to each other for installation and then closed around the pipe. This segmentation enables easy installation while the portions are designed to work together as a unified clamping structure, balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring portions are designed to be movable relative to each other during installation, allowing the ring to be opened and closed. Once closed, the portions function together as a unified structure, providing dynamic adaptability that resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and installation ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If the seal is made rigid to maintain shape, then sealing consistency is better, but it cannot accommodate diameter variations
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the seal are designed with different properties - the inner seal is configured for smaller diameters with appropriate rigidity, while the outer seal is configured for larger diameters. Each local portion maintains its shape consistency for its intended diameter range, while the overall seal structure adapts to different pipe sizes through the nested configuration.
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 design provides a reliable, adjustable, and leak-proof connection for pipes of varying diameters, ensuring secure coupling and easy handling, while the nested seal enhances sealing efficiency by compressing axially and distributing compressive forces evenly.
Implementation Method 1
the nested seal enhances sealing efficiency by compressing axially and distributing compressive forces evenly
Implementation Method 2
The nested seal also has a sloping outer surface received within the clamping ring. The slope on the surface causes the seal to be urged toward the barrel sleeve's circumferential flange as the clamping ring is tightened.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling includes a sleeve and a clamping ring. The sleeve includes a flange at least one end. The clamping ring is mounted to the flange. The clamping ring carries a seal and includes two spaced apart bolt engagement portions. The clamping ring further includes two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one. The two separate clamping ring portions function as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are brought into abutting contact such that the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other.