Pipe Coupling Seal Retaining Portion Groove Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe couplings with sealing means, such as O-rings, face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal when inserted at an angle or into pipes with imperfections like burrs or deformations, as the sealing means can be drawn out of its groove, compromising the seal.
Innovation Solution
The pipe coupling device features a sealing means with a retaining portion and a sealing portion, where the retaining portion is designed to hold the sealing means within the groove even when inserted at an angle, using a wider base portion to resist torsional forces and a reinforcing ring to secure the sealing means in place, ensuring a fluid-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing means projects sufficiently out of the groove to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the sealing means can be drawn out of its groove when inserted at an angle or into pipes with imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means is divided into two distinct functional portions: a retaining portion that remains within the groove to maintain positional stability, and a sealing portion that projects outward to engage with the pipe and provide sealing. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sealing means are given different properties: the retaining portion has properties suitable for staying within the groove (smaller cross-section, retained by groove walls), while the sealing portion has properties optimized for sealing (larger cross-section, projects outward). This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between needing projection for tolerance compensation and needing retention for positional stability.
2Reliability
If the sealing means is compressed as it engages with the pipe end, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the sealing means may be forced out of its groove
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means is segmented into a retaining portion within the groove and a sealing portion that engages the pipe. The retaining portion acts as an anchor that prevents the sealing means from being forced out of the groove during compression, while the sealing portion provides the necessary sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portion within the groove provides preliminary resistance against forces that would otherwise force the sealing means out of its groove during pipe engagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of groove ejection before it can occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sealing means projects out of the groove to engage with pipe imperfections, then the adaptability is improved, but the sealing means can be drawn out of its groove
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means is divided into a retaining portion that maintains groove engagement and a sealing portion that projects outward to accommodate pipe imperfections. This segmentation allows the sealing portion to adapt to various pipe conditions while the retaining portion ensures the sealing means remains properly positioned and the seal remains intact.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling device includes a body adapted for insertion into a pipe, the body having a through passage, and on its outer surface a groove for receiving a seal for forming a fluid-tight seal between the pipe and the body, the seal having a retaining portion and a sealing portion, wherein either the groove, the seal or both are constructed and arranged such that the retaining portion holds the seal within the groove when the sealing portion is subjected to the insertion force experienced when the pipe coupling device is inserted into a pipe. Further, the base portion may be axially wider than the sealing portion. Further, the seal may include reinforcing means adapted to prevent the seal leaving the groove.