Pipe Coupling Ring and Hub Layout for Stable Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe coupling methods face challenges in achieving a strong, leak-proof seal due to difficulties in locating and securing seals within clamping rings, which can lead to seal displacement or damage during compression.
Innovation Solution
A tubular hub with radially extending mounting blocks and a clamping ring having positioning lips that guide into annular grooves, ensuring proper seal placement and compression, while minimizing seal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamping ring compresses a seal radially inward upon the pipe to secure the connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the seal may move longitudinally out of position or be damaged when compressed between the clamping segments and the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is pre-positioned in a groove on the pipe end before the clamping ring is installed. The groove geometry and seal retention features are designed beforehand to prevent longitudinal movement during compression, ensuring the seal remains in the correct position when the clamping ring applies radial compressive force.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal retention feature (such as a groove with flanges or a recess) acts as an intermediary structure between the seal and the clamping ring. This intermediary prevents the seal from moving longitudinally during compression by providing physical constraints at the ends of the seal, while still allowing the clamping ring to compress the seal radially inward for sealing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal is contained within a cavity in the clamping ring, then the seal is protected from external damage, but the possibility of seal damage increases when compressed between the clamping segments and the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is extracted from the cavity in the clamping ring and repositioned directly on the pipe end in a groove. This removes the seal from the confined cavity space where it could be damaged during compression, while still providing protection through the groove structure that retains the seal in place during the compression process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling segments with lips engage within grooves of the pipes, then the coupling is secured, but the surfaces to be mated for coupling are hidden within the interior of the coupling thereby rendering connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The seal and its retention features are pre-installed on the pipe ends before the coupling operation. The groove geometry is designed beforehand to guide and retain the seal in the correct position, making the subsequent coupling operation easier by eliminating the need to manually position the seal during assembly.
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 system provides a reliable, fluid-tight connection by maintaining seal integrity and preventing damage during assembly, ensuring a consistent and effective pipeline seal.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping ring sized to extend around the tubular hub, said clamping ring having a radially extending positioning lip at each end of wherein the positioning lips surround the mounting blocks
Implementation Method 2
compressibly securing a clamping ring around the tubular hub, wherein the clamping ring have a radially extending positioning lip at each end
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling pipe segments endwise to each other comprise a tubular hub secured proximate to an end face of each pipe segment, each hub having a radially extending mounting block therearound, a seal extending around the hubs between the mounting blocks and a clamping ring sized to extend around the tubular hub, said clamping ring having a radially extending positioning lip at each end of wherein the positioning lips surround the mounting blocks.