Pipe Coupling Carrier Ring for Variable Diameters and Stable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling designs face issues with sealing quality on poor surfaces, ease of installation, retention of gripper elements, retention of grit during transit, collapse of carriers under weight, and pressure safety due to variable gasket compression, especially when used by inexperienced operators and on pipes with varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling featuring an annular sleeve and compression member with radially discontinuous interlinked members and a gripping component that radially contracts upon axial force, utilizing a tongue-and-groove connection with resilient arms for stability, and a gasket design with interdigitating projections for improved sealing and support, along with a buffer stop to prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier structure is made collapsible to accommodate range of pipe diameters, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability during transit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier structure employs dynamic tongue-and-groove linkages that allow controlled movement between connected members. The tongues can slide within grooves to accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the carrier to adapt to different pipe diameters without collapsing during transit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tongue-and-groove connection allows play for circumference adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but retention of gripper elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue acts as an intermediary element between connected carrier members. It provides a controlled interface that allows circumferential adjustment through sliding motion while maintaining positive engagement. The tapered geometry of the tongue ensures gripper elements remain securely retained even as the carrier circumference changes to accommodate different pipe sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carrier ring bore is reduced during collapse, then adaptability to smaller pipes is improved, but ease of pipe insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier structure is pre-configured with tapered tongues that create an expanding bore during the insertion process. As pipe insertion begins, the tapered geometry naturally guides and expands the carrier bore, making insertion easier. The structure then stabilizes at the appropriate circumference to securely hold the pipe.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling allows variable gasket compression for different pipe sizes, then adaptability is improved, but pressure safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates controlled parameter changes in the form of progressive carrier collapse stages. As the carrier compresses to accommodate different pipe diameters, the gasket compression is regulated through the mechanical properties of the tongue-and-groove linkages. This ensures minimum gasket compression is maintained even at the smallest pipe sizes, preserving pressure safety while adapting to various dimensions.
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
Enhances sealing efficiency, reduces assembly difficulties, maintains gripper retention, prevents carrier collapse, and increases pressure safety up to 16 bar, accommodating various pipe diameters and topography, including corroded surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the tongue of each tongue-and-groove pair being attached to its circumferentially-discontinuous interlinked member by a resiliently-deformable arm, whereby to provide stability of the circumferentially-discontinuous interlined member in the absence of any additional support
Implementation Method 2
the stop comprises a buffer on the engaging surface of the carrier component which is located in a recess on an engaging surface of the gripping component
Implementation Method 3
drawing means for drawing the annular compression member and the annular sleeve axially together so as to compress the said annular gripping means between the annular first and second compression surfaces so as to deform or move the annular gripping means radially inwardly and into gripping engagement with the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a pipe coupling configured for coupling pipes over a range of diameters including a gripping and sealing assembly comprising a ring of circumferentially linked carrier members (1) the circumferentially discontinuous members are interlinked by means of a tongue and groove connection between a groove (2) on a first member and a tongue (3) on an adjacent member, the opening of the groove which receives the tongue facing in a plane not in alignment with a tangent of the circumferential plane of the carrier and each tongue is attached to its member by a resiliently deformable arm whereby to provide stability of the circumferential links in the absence of any additional support.