Pipe Coupling Seal With Retracting Center Leg for Low Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly when connecting pipe elements, and their compact design is limited by supporting segments on the outer circumference of the seal, which hinders efficient fluid tightness and increases turbulence.
Innovation Solution
The coupling design features segments with channels and angled shoulders that maintain segments in spaced relation using lobes and attachment members, allowing pipe elements to be inserted while the seal is seated, and deformation of the seal retracts the center leg to reduce turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If segments are supported on the outer circumference of the ring seal, then the coupling achieves a compact design, but the center leg remains in the fluid flow path causing turbulence and the seal experiences ovality
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with a retractable center leg that dynamically changes position based on seal deformation. When the seal deforms during assembly, the center leg retracts from the fluid flow path, eliminating turbulence while maintaining compact design. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact shape and harmful turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal geometry includes a center leg whose position parameter changes in response to seal deformation. As the seal deforms under compression, the center leg retracts, changing its spatial parameter from protruding to retracted position. This parameter change allows the seal to maintain compact design while eliminating the harmful effect of turbulence in the fluid flow path.
2Shape
If segments are supported on the outer circumference of the ring seal, then the coupling achieves a compact design, but fluid tightness is hindered due to seal ovality
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design incorporates a dynamic center leg that retracts when the seal deforms during assembly. This dynamic response allows the seal to accommodate deformation without compromising fluid tightness, while maintaining the compact design. The retracting center leg compensates for ovality effects, ensuring reliable sealing despite the compact configuration.
3Device complexity
If the coupling requires disassembly and reassembly when connecting pipe elements, then the design is simpler, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed in a preassembled state with segments supported on the seal in spaced relation, allowing pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly. The attachment members are pre-positioned and the seal is pre-configured with the retractable center leg. This preliminary preparation enables rapid joint formation by simply inserting the pipe elements, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining design simplicity through the integrated seal and segment support structure.
4Productivity
If segments are held together by fasteners in spaced relation, then pipe elements can be inserted rapidly, but the segment separation increases the coupling size
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are supported on the seal in a spaced relation that allows pipe insertion, while the attachment members connect the segments in a configuration that minimizes overall coupling length. The spaced support on the seal provides the necessary dimensional clearance for rapid insertion, while the attachment geometry optimizes the coupling's external dimensions, resolving the contradiction between insertion speed and compact size.
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
This design enables rapid formation of a compact, fluid-tight joint with reduced turbulence and ovality of the seal, allowing greater segment separation and minimizing the center leg's presence in the fluid flow path.
Implementation Method 1
When the seal is seated within the channel such that at least a portion of the first lobe contacts the second surface of the first shoulder and at least a portion of the second lobe contacts the second surface of the second shoulder the seal is deformed such that the center leg is retracted toward the back surface
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for joining pipe elements has segments surrounding a central space with cusps which engage lobes of a seal to maintain the segments in spaced apart relation in a preassembled state. While the coupling is in the preassembled state the pipe elements may be inserted into the central space without disassembling the coupling, and portions of the seal adjacent to attachment members on the segments seat within a channel defined by the segments between the cusps. When the seal is compressed between the segments and the pipe elements to form a joint the seal deforms so as to withdraw a center leg of the seal from the flow path defined within the pipe elements.