Pipe Coupling Seal Mounting with Transfer Claw and Funnel Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting seals in pipe couplings are labor-intensive, prone to deformation of the casing under high pressure, or require complex injection molds for 2K injection molding, which is not cost-efficient.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a seal feeding device and a seal mounting device, where the seal includes a mounting ring and a flexible seal ring, and the seal mounting device features a seal funnel with a tapering funnel surface and a transfer claw for precise positioning and automated processing of the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seal is mounted manually, then labor intensity is high, but the casing is not deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The seal mounting device automatically positions and mounts the seal onto the pipe coupling using a transfer claw and funnel mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining gentle handling that prevents casing deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The seal funnel acts as an intermediary component that guides the seal from the transfer claw into the pipe coupling, enabling automated mounting while controlling the insertion process to avoid deformation
2Productivity
If high pressure forces are exerted onto the seal by machine, then mounting efficiency is improved, but the casing may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel surface is designed with a specific taper angle and surface profile that transforms the mounting process, allowing the seal to be guided into the coupling with controlled forces distributed over a larger area, preventing localized high pressure that would cause deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The seal funnel employs a curved, tapered surface geometry that gradually directs the seal into the pipe coupling, distributing insertion forces along the curved path rather than applying concentrated pressure, thereby preventing casing deformation
3Reliability
If 2K injection molding is used to integrally form the seal with the cylindrical casing, then the seal is permanently mounted, but the injection mold complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a separate component with a mounting ring that can be independently manufactured and then mounted onto the pipe coupling, decoupling the seal manufacturing process from the complex 2K injection molding operation while ensuring permanent mounting through the mounting ring engagement
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a seal feeding device (50) and a seal mounting device (150) for mounting a seal (20) of a pipe coupling (1), wherein the seal comprises a mounting ring (21) with a mounting ring outer diameter (D3) that merges into a flexible seal ring (30), wherein the seal ring (30) comprises a seal base ring (31) that merges into an inwardly projecting engagement body (32),wherein the seal feeding device (50) comprises a stock holder (73) for a seal stock (40) having a series of seals (20), and a seal transfer device (80) for picking out a seal from the seal stock, wherein the seal mounting device (150) comprises a seal funnel (155) for receiving the seal, wherein the seal transfer device (80) comprises a transfer claw (81) that comprises at least one transfer gripper (87) with an outwardly open gripping slot (88) for receiving the inwardly projecting engagement body (32) of the seal.