Pipe Coupling Segments With Rotation Stops for Visual Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical couplings for grooved pipe segments face challenges in ease of assembly and lack consistent visual indication of proper installation, leading to potential misalignment and reduced joint rigidity.

Innovation Solution

The coupling design features arcuate projections and lugs with angled action and support surfaces that allow for relative rotation and secure engagement, utilizing stop surfaces to limit rotation and provide visual confirmation of proper installation, ensuring consistent alignment and rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a coupling is designed to be flexible to accommodate misalignment between shafts, then ease of operation is improved, but the coupling may become susceptible to bacterial growth and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidbacterial growth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into multiple segments including at least one flexible segment and at least one hygiene segment. The flexible segment provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate misalignment, while the hygiene segment remains smooth and easy to clean. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hygiene segment acts as an intermediary component between the flexible segment and the food processing environment. This intermediate segment provides a smooth, contamination-resistant surface that interfaces with the food or beverage, while the flexible segment handles the mechanical accommodation of misalignment behind this protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling uses a flexible segment to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but cleaning and sanitation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment accommodationVSAvoidcleaning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into multiple segments including at least one flexible segment and at least one hygiene segment. The flexible segment provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate misalignment, while the hygiene segment remains smooth and easy to clean. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible segment is extracted or isolated from the food-contact surface by positioning it in a non-food contact area. This allows the flexible segment to perform its misalignment accommodation function while being separated from the hygiene-critical zones, enabling easier cleaning and sanitation of the food-contact surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling segment is made flexible to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but the segment may be difficult to clean and sanitize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemisalignment accommodationVSAvoidsanitation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling is divided into multiple segments including at least one flexible segment and at least one hygiene segment. The flexible segment provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate misalignment, while the hygiene segment remains smooth and easy to clean. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hygiene segment acts as an intermediary component between the flexible segment and the food processing environment. This intermediate segment provides a smooth, contamination-resistant surface that interfaces with the food or beverage, while the flexible segment handles the mechanical accommodation of misalignment behind this protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4241007B1Coupling having rotation limited segments

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 VICTAULIC

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AI summary

A pipe coupling has two segments with angularly oriented action surfaces in facing relationship. The action surfaces induce relative rotation between the segments when the segments are drawn together to engage the pipe elements being joined. Attachment elements on each segment, in the form of lugs, accommodate adjustable fasteners which draw the segments together when tightened. Angularly oriented support surfaces on the lugs engage one another and react the fastener force. Stop surfaces are positioned on the lugs adjacent to the support surfaces. Engagement between the stop surfaces limits the relative rotation between the segments.