Pipe Coupling Sealing via Curved Projection Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling sealing systems, particularly those using O-rings, face challenges with correct positioning and durability, leading to potential leaks over time, and require tight manufacturing tolerances for form-fit designs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring radially outward flanges with integrated circumferential grooves and projections, where the curved sealing surface of the projection forms a fluid-tight seal when pressed into the groove, eliminating the need for additional sealing elements and allowing for secure sealing without precise manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an O-ring seal is used between coupling parts, then the coupling achieves a seal, but the O-ring requires correct positioning and is susceptible to damage from process fluids and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate O-ring sealing element from the coupling system. Instead of using an elastomeric O-ring that requires positioning and is susceptible to damage, the sealing function is integrated directly into the coupling parts through grooves and projections formed on the coupling surfaces themselves, thereby removing the problematic sealing component entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the structural components of the coupling. The grooves and projections that provide sealing are formed as integral parts of the coupling surfaces, combining the sealing function with the coupling structure itself rather than using a separate sealing element
2Reliability
If grooves and projecting tongues are used for form-fit sealing, then the coupling achieves a seal, but tight manufacturing tolerances are required for sufficient sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sealing profile by using a curved sealing surface on the projection that engages with a corresponding groove. This curved geometry allows for a progressive pressing effect during assembly that compensates for manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for tight tolerances while maintaining reliable sealing
3Reliability
If multiple grooves and tongues are used to prevent fluid leakage, then the coupling achieves sufficient sealing, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing profile is designed to be self-actuating during assembly. As the coupling parts are screwed together, the curved sealing surface of the projection is progressively pressed into the groove, automatically achieving the seal without requiring multiple separate sealing features or complex positioning mechanisms
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 ensures a long-term, secure fluid-tight seal without the need for separate sealing elements, resistant to aggressive fluids and assembly errors, with the sealing surface's curvature and counter-bevel providing a progressive pressing effect for enhanced sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
When the coupling is closed by screwing the coupling parts together, the convex sealing surface of the projection is increasingly pressed against the counter-sealing surface, thus achieving a very good seal without an additional sealing element
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling for releasably connecting pipes or pipe-like elements in a fluid-tight manner, having a first coupling part and a second coupling part which are connectable via a screw nut or the like, wherein the coupling parts are each provided with a radially outwardly extending flange (4) and the flanges have end faces (6) which are provided with a profile for sealing off the coupling, wherein the profile comprises at least one circumferential groove and at least one circumferential protrusion (8) engaging in the groove, said groove and protrusion forming a fluid-tight seal between one another in the coupled state, and wherein the protrusion (8) comprises a lateral sealing face (81) which has an outwardly bulging shape in cross section, and wherein the groove has a corresponding lateral counterpart sealing face that is inclined with regard to the longitudinal axis of the coupling, such that, in the installation position, the sealing face (81) of the protrusion (8) is pressed against the counterpart sealing face of the groove.