Preassembled Pipe Coupling Seal for Easy Insertion and Low Head Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly to connect pipe elements, and their compact design is limited by supporting segments on the outer circumference of the seal, which does not allow sufficient spacing for easy insertion of pipe elements and results in turbulence and head loss due to the center leg being within the fluid flow path.
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 element insertion while the seal is seated, and deformation of the seal retracts the center leg out of the fluid path, reducing turbulence and head loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If segments are supported on the outer circumference of the seal, then the coupling structure is simplified, but the segments cannot be spaced sufficiently to permit easy insertion of pipe elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from supporting segments on the outer circumference (one-dimensional arrangement) to supporting them within channels formed by angled shoulders (two-dimensional spatial arrangement). This dimensional change allows segments to be positioned at optimal locations for both insertion ease and structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into multiple segments with channels and angled shoulders, allowing each segment to be independently positioned and supported. This segmentation enables sufficient spacing between segments for easy pipe insertion while maintaining overall structural coherence, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the center leg is positioned within the fluid flow path, then the seal structure is simplified, but turbulence and head loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The center leg is extracted from the fluid flow path and repositioned within the channel structure. This extraction removes the source of turbulence and head loss while the channel structure maintains the seal's functional integrity, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and energy loss.
3Strength
If segments are held together tightly by fasteners, then the joint strength is improved, but the segments cannot be spaced apart to permit pipe element insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The channels and angled shoulders are pre-formed during manufacturing to provide built-in support for spaced segment arrangement. This preliminary action eliminates the need to choose between tight fastening for strength and spacing for insertion, as both requirements are satisfied by the pre-designed channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The channels formed by angled shoulders act as intermediaries between the fasteners and the segments. These channels provide the mechanical support needed to maintain spaced segment arrangement while allowing fasteners to apply clamping force, thus resolving the contradiction between joint strength and ease of pipe insertion.
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 a compact, preassembled coupling that facilitates easy pipe element insertion and reduces turbulence by retracting the center leg from the fluid flow, minimizing ovality and allowing greater segment separation for a given seal diameter.
Implementation Method 1
The seal is compressed between the segments and the pipe elements to ensure fluid tightness
Implementation Method 2
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. The lobes of the seal contact a second surface of the shoulders of the segments adjacent to the attachment members when the segments are in spaced relation.