Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling for Rigid Segment Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling systems require complex assembly and deformation of segments to secure pipe ends, which can be cumbersome and prone to leakage due to the lack of a pre-assembled design that ensures a fluid-tight seal.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled pipe coupling system featuring a housing with manually manipulatable segments and a gasket that includes an annular base, central flange, and side flanges with sealing lips, where the segments are sequentially attached with attachment mechanisms to define an insertion boundary, allowing for easy axial insertion and secure sealing of pipe ends without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe coupling segments are designed to be deformed during assembly, then the coupling can be assembled without specialized tools, but the assembly process becomes complex and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled with the gasket before installation, creating a pre-assembled coupling unit. This preliminary assembly ensures proper gasket positioning and segment alignment, eliminating the need for complex deformation operations during final installation while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together to form a complete coupling. These segments are designed with interlocking features and attachment mechanisms that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the complexity of the overall assembly process
2Strength
If pipe coupling segments are made rigid for structural strength, then the coupling provides better structural support, but the segments become difficult to deform and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-assembling the rigid segments with the gasket into a complete coupling unit before installation, the patent eliminates the need to deform rigid segments during assembly. The rigid segments provide structural strength while the pre-assembly process ensures they can be installed without specialized deformation tools
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design incorporates attachment mechanisms that allow the rigid segments to be securely connected during assembly. The segments transition from a disconnected state to a firmly locked state through simple attachment operations, maintaining rigidity in the final assembled state while enabling easy installation
3Reliability
If a pre-assembled coupling design is used to ensure fluid-tight seal, then leakage is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-installed onto the coupling segments during manufacturing, ensuring proper positioning and compression. This preliminary action guarantees a fluid-tight seal is already established before field installation, eliminating the need for complex sealing operations during assembly while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pre-assembled coupling unit: the segments provide structural support, the gasket provides sealing, and the attachment mechanisms provide connection. By merging these functions into a single pre-assembled unit, the design simplifies the field installation process while ensuring reliable sealing through proper pre-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-assembled pipe coupling (11) includes a gasket (200), a housing (12) surrounding the gasket, and a fastener (20). The housing has three segments sequentially coupled to each other to define an insertion boundary. A first segment (12c) includes a first mount (18) extending lateral in a first direction from the wall and having a plurality of first lateral walls that define a first aperture (22), and a second mount (18) extending laterally in a second direction from the wall, the second mount having a plurality of second lateral walls that define a second aperture (22). A second segment (12a) includes a first hook (14) disposed in the first aperture and a first tab (16) defining a first fastener aperture. A third segment (12b) includes a second hook (14) disposed in the second aperture and a second tab (16) defining a second fastener aperture. The fastener is disposed through the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture.