Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling Assembly for Single-Worker Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single worker to align and secure pipe elements within slip-on pipe couplings efficiently, often requiring multiple workers, which reduces efficiency and increases assembly time in piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled coupling assembly with a raised-lip pipe fitting and a coupling that includes a gasket, where the raised lip of the pipe fitting retains the coupling in a relaxed position, allowing for easier alignment and assembly by preventing accidental disassembly and simplifying the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple workers cooperate to couple pipe elements together, then alignment and securing of pipe elements is achieved, but assembly efficiency is reduced and man hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting before installation, with the gasket already positioned and the coupling in a relaxed position. This preliminary preparation allows the coupling to be easily aligned with pipe elements during assembly, eliminating the need for multiple workers to coordinate alignment while maintaining secure connection capability
2Productivity
If slip-on pipe couplings are used to connect pipe elements, then connection is achieved, but alignment and securing becomes difficult for a single worker
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting with the gasket positioned in advance. This preliminary action creates a ready-to-install assembly that requires minimal alignment effort from a single worker, as the coupling is already prepared in its relaxed position and can be easily attached to pipe elements
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as an intermediary element between the coupling and pipe elements. Pre-positioned on the coupling, it facilitates easy alignment and securing by providing a compliant interface that guides the pipe elements into proper position during assembly, enabling single-worker operation
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is retained on the raised lip end in a relaxed position, then accidental disassembly is prevented and assembly is simplified, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The raised lip end creates an asymmetric feature on the pipe fitting that corresponds to the asymmetric geometry of the coupling and gasket assembly. This asymmetric design allows the coupling to be retained in a specific relaxed position on the raised lip, preventing accidental disassembly while maintaining simple assembly procedures through the natural fit of the asymmetric components
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler including a raised lip end; and a distal end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip between the distal end and the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the distal end.