Pipe Coupling Capsulation Assembly Seal Migration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling seals fail to maintain integrity under high pressure and can migrate outward after tightening, leading to seal failure, as they lack internal space to fit over existing bell joints and sleeve joints without disturbing them, and prior art seals are not designed for external application over leaking joints.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling capsulation assembly with segmented retaining elements that prevent migration of the seal, featuring a band with an inner annular seal element, opposing clamp members, tightening elements, and retaining elements that block outward migration, which are received in slots and slots formed in the annular seal element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the seal is tightened by clamp members, then the sealing force is improved, but the seal can migrate outward from the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments with retaining elements distributed around its circumference. Each retaining element independently prevents outward migration in its local zone, while the segmented structure allows the seal to maintain overall integrity under tightening forces without migrating as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are pre-installed on the seal before the sealing operation. These elements proactively prevent outward migration before it can occur during tightening, eliminating the need for corrective actions after migration has started.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is designed to fit over existing bell joints and sleeve joints, then the adaptability is improved, but the internal space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a nested structure where the retaining elements are integrated into the seal body, and the entire seal assembly fits over existing bell joints or sleeve joints. This nested configuration allows the seal to accommodate existing joint geometries while maintaining sufficient internal space for the retaining elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements extend in the radial dimension from the seal lip, utilizing the radial space available when the seal fits over existing joints. This dimensional approach allows prevention of outward migration without compromising the seal's ability to fit over various existing joint types.
3Stress or pressure
If the seal lips are subjected to high pressure, then the sealing capability is improved, but the seal lips are pushed outward leading to complete seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements provide preliminary counter-action against the outward force exerted by high pressure on the seal lips. By preventing outward migration before it occurs, the retaining elements eliminate the progressive failure mode where seal lips are gradually pushed outward under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the seal into multiple sections with distributed retaining elements allows each segment to independently resist high pressure forces. This distributes the stress load and prevents any single point from experiencing enough outward force to cause complete seal failure.
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 solution effectively prevents seal migration and maintains seal integrity under high pressure, ensuring reliable sealing of pipe joints without disturbing existing connections, thus preventing fluid leakage and extending the lifespan of pipe coupling assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic pressure within internal cavity 6 applies additional hydraulic pressure on seal lips 10 by means of fluid flowing through the passageways and pressing the lip 10 further against a pipe (not shown).
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling capsulation assembly includes a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members that extend from the band, and one or more tightening elements for clamping together the clamp members. Retaining elements are assembled to the annular seal element.