Pipe Connector Coupling Body With Spacer-Sealed Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling bodies fail to ensure a reliable peripheral seal due to gap formation between the pipeline and the peripheral seal, requiring additional components and assembly steps, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A spacer element is used to bridge the constriction created by the retaining ring, allowing the peripheral seal to run on an undeformed pipeline surface, with a bridging length added to the spacer element to ensure a secure and permanent seal, and a peripheral retaining collar directs compressive forces into the cap screw, enhancing seal compression and preventing additional compression on the spacer sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the retaining ring teeth dig into the pipe circumference to secure the connection, then the mechanical retention is improved, but the pipe surface becomes deformed creating a gap that compromises the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first circumferential seal for primary sealing, a spacer element to bridge the deformation zone, and a second circumferential seal for secondary sealing. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the sealing problem independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element acts as an intermediary component between the retaining ring and the circumferential seals. It bridges the gap created by pipe deformation, allowing the seals to contact only the undeformed pipe surface while the retaining ring maintains mechanical retention through tooth engagement.
2Reliability
If additional components like reinforcing sleeves are added to prevent pipe constriction, then the seal reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element combines multiple functions into a single component: it bridges the deformation zone, supports the circumferential seals, and transmits compressive forces. This integration eliminates the need for separate reinforcing sleeves and reduces assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: structural bridging, seal support, force transmission, and positioning. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying both the device structure and assembly process.
3Reliability
If the circumferential seal is compressed to reduce gas permeation, then the sealing performance is improved, but additional compression forces may deform the spacer element
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force distribution is segmented through distinct structural features: the circumferential groove provides localized support for the seal, while the retaining collar at the rear end of the spacer element provides additional structural support. This segmentation allows the spacer element to withstand compression forces without excessive deformation.
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 configuration provides a secure, cost-effective, and reliable sealing system that prevents gas permeation, ensuring the coupling body remains sealed against internal pressure and cannot be displaced when disassembled.
Implementation Method 1
the circumferential seal, when the pipe is inserted, extends outside the constriction in a region of the inserted pipe that has an undeformed pipe surface. This ensures a reliable and permanent seal of the gap between the inserted pipe and the circumferential seal
Implementation Method 2
under load, the teeth of the retaining ring dig into the circumference of the inserted pipe, causing a dent or constriction in the pipe, resulting in a reduction in diameter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Coupling body (1) for the push-fit connection of pipelines, comprising a union screw (2) with a screw shank (3) on the front portion of which, in the screw-in direction (Y), an external threaded section (4) is formed. An inner through-hole (9) with a bearing shoulder (14) extends axially through the union screw (2). A toothed washer or toothed ring is arranged on the bearing shoulder, and, viewed in the screw-in direction (Y), an annular sealing element (18) is mounted behind the bearing shoulder in a circumferential groove (17) open to the through-hole (9). A sleeve-shaped spacer element (23) is arranged between the retaining element (13) and the annular sealing element (18). The retaining element (13) is held axially between the front face of the spacer element (23), in the screw-in direction (Y), and the bearing shoulder (14).The front side wall (21) of the circumferential groove (17) in the screw-in direction (Y) is formed by the rear end face of the spacer element (23) in the screw-in direction (Y). The sleeve-shaped spacer element (23) has such a length in the axial direction that any indentation created when the retaining element (13) is loaded by the teeth (36) of the retaining element (13) digging into a circumferential wall of the pipe inserted into the through-opening (9) is bridged by the spacer element in such a way that the annular sealing element (18) bears against the undeformed pipe wall.