Mechanical Pipe Coupling With Spring Grips for Weld-Free Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for coupling metal or steel pipes, such as hot welding, are hazardous, require skilled labor, and are time-consuming, especially in maintenance situations where a welder may not be available, and often necessitate additional non-destructive testing.

Innovation Solution

A coupling apparatus with moveable gripping parts that transition between insertion and gripping conditions, utilizing a body assembly with recesses, biasing elements, and seals to securely engage pipes without the need for welding, allowing for quick and safe connection of pipes without specialized tools or labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hot welding process is used to join metal pipes, then the joint strength and sealability are improved, but the safety hazards and requirement for skilled labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical coupling system. The coupling apparatus uses gripping parts with teeth that mechanically engage with the pipe walls through friction and normal forces, eliminating the need for hot welding and its associated safety hazards while maintaining joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coupling apparatus as an intermediary component between two pipes. This mediator provides the joining function through mechanical engagement rather than direct welding, reducing safety risks while achieving the required connection strength and sealability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If hot welding process is used to join metal pipes, then the joint strength and sealability are improved, but the time consumption and requirement for additional technicians increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling system eliminates the time-consuming welding process and subsequent non-destructive testing. The coupling apparatus can be installed quickly by simply inserting pipes into the coupling body, with the gripping parts automatically engaging through spring biasing, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling apparatus is designed to be self-actuating through spring-biased gripping parts that automatically engage with the pipe walls upon insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for skilled welders and additional testing technicians, reducing both time consumption and labor requirements while ensuring reliable joint strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If gripping parts are made resilient to allow pipe insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the gripping force and connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pipe insertionVSAvoidgripping force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping parts are designed as resilient elements that dynamically adjust their state based on operational requirements. During insertion, they deform to allow easy pipe entry; during operation, they rebound to provide strong gripping force. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and gripping strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling apparatus uses multiple segmented gripping parts distributed around the pipe circumference. Each gripping part independently deforms during insertion and provides localized gripping force, collectively achieving both ease of operation and sufficient total gripping force to maintain strong connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables secure, high-strength pipe connections without welding, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing hazards, allowing for faster and cost-effective pipe coupling in various applications, including those with high-pressure fluids.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing element arranged to bias the at least two gripping parts toward the gripping condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the body assembly includes at least one seal located between the aperture and the pipe end of travel stop, the seal being arranged to sealably engage with the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11480276B2Apparatus and method for coupling

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 CRISM PTY LTD

AI summary

An apparatus (10) for coupling with a pipe (12), the apparatus (10) including a body assembly (13) having a body (14) adapted to fit with the pipe (12), and at least two gripping parts (16) moveably coupled to the body (14), the at least two gripping parts (16) being adapted to be moveable between an insertion condition, in which the gripping parts (16) are resiliently depressible to allow movement of the pipe (12) in a first insertion direction, and a gripping condition in which the gripping parts (16) each engage with opposing side walls (18) of the pipe (12) to restrict movement of the pipe (12) in a second opposing direction thereby coupling the apparatus (10) and the pipe (12).