Pipe Coupling Assembly With Pivot Clip for Faster Tightening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling methods require time-consuming and difficult incremental tightening of nuts and bolts, especially when one end is not accessible, leading to inefficiencies and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system featuring a pivot clip that maintains a separation distance between segments, allowing for easier installation by initially placing the pivot clip between the segments and then tightening one element to draw the ends together, facilitating the insertion of pipes and subsequent tightening to achieve a uniform gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pipe coupling methods using nuts and bolts are used, then the coupling can be securely fastened, but the tightening process becomes time-consuming and difficult when one end is not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate segments that can be independently positioned and tightened. This segmentation allows one segment to be accessed and tightened while the other segment remains in place, solving the accessibility problem. Each segment can be fastened separately using simple fastening elements, eliminating the need for complex alternating tightening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivot clip is introduced as an intermediary component between the two segments. The pivot clip maintains the separation distance and provides a reference point for positioning. This intermediary element simplifies the assembly process by ensuring proper spacing without requiring complex measurement and adjustment procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If incremental and alternating tightening is performed to ensure uniform spacing, then the coupling alignment is precise, but the process takes excessive time
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot clip is positioned in advance between the segments to pre-establish the correct separation distance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for iterative measurement and adjustment during tightening, as the spacing is already determined by the pivot clip's position. The segments are then simply fastened to this pre-configured arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot clip automatically maintains the separation distance through its mechanical design, without requiring active measurement or adjustment by the operator. The geometry of the pivot clip itself enforces the correct spacing, making the system self-regulating and eliminating time-consuming manual alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coupling two pipes includes fastening two coupling segments into an untightened configuration, the two coupling segments comprising a first segment and a second segment, the first segment comprising a first end and a second end distal to the first end, the second segment comprising a first end and a second end distal to the first end, wherein fastening the two coupling segments comprises: placing a pivot clip between the second end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, the pivot clip configured to maintain a separation distance between the second end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment; and tightening a first tightening element to draw the second end of the first segment towards the first end of the second segment; and placing ends of the two pipes between the two coupling segments.