Pipe Coupling With Convertible Screw Cap for One-Hand Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings for conveyor systems are complex, cumbersome to operate, and prone to seal damage due to two-handed operation requirements and separate closure mechanisms, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring a screw sleeve that can be converted into a screw cap with a snap-in connection, allowing one-handed operation and using a chain or strap for attachment, enabling a single angular rotation for coupling and closure, eliminating the need for a pivotable closure cap and providing a reliable sealing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-armed lever with hook-shaped end is used for coupling, then the airtight connection is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult to perform with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a screw sleeve for connection and a screw cap for closure. The screw cap is detachably connected to the screw sleeve, allowing independent operation of each function. This segmentation enables one-handed operation while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure function is extracted from the connection mechanism. Instead of using a lever integrated into the connection device, a separate screw cap is used that can be independently attached to the screw sleeve. This extraction allows the connection and closure operations to be performed separately with one hand.
2Reliability
If a separately arranged spring-loaded pivoting closure cover is provided, then the supply line can be closed when suction line is removed, but the lid must be held open with one hand during insertion and separate bearings are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connection and closure functions are merged into a single integrated device. The screw cap, when attached to the screw sleeve, serves both as a closure element for the supply line and as part of the connection mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate closure mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw cap serves multiple functions: it closes the supply line when the suction line is removed, and it also serves as part of the connection mechanism when attached to the screw sleeve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate closure and connection devices, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If metallic sealing surfaces are used for coupling, then the connection is achieved, but the seal does not work reliably and seal damage can occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses composite materials combining metallic and elastomeric components. The screw sleeve and screw cap provide structural strength, while integrated elastomeric sealing elements provide reliable sealing. This composite approach prevents seal damage during insertion while maintaining connection strength and sealing reliability.
4Ease of operation
If nested lines are inserted into each other for coupling, then the connection is achieved, but the two nested lines can become jammed against each other during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The screw sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the supply line and suction line. Instead of directly inserting nested lines into each other, the screw sleeve mediates the connection, guiding the lines into proper alignment and preventing them from becoming jammed against each other during insertion.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Pipe coupling (1) for suction or pressure conveying systems for bulk materials, comprising a lower pipe (3) and an upper hose connection pipe (6) which can be connected to it in an airtight manner and which can be detachably connected to each other via a coupling device, wherein, for one-hand operation of the pipe coupling, the coupling device consists of a pipe sleeve (4) fixedly connected to one pipe (3 or 6), which can be connected via a screw connection to a screw sleeve (13) rotatably arranged on the other pipe (6 or 3), and wherein the screw sleeve (13) can be converted into a screw cap (31) for closing the pipe (3), which is loosely attached to the pipe sleeve (4).