Pipe Coupling Stop Assembly for Pre-Assembled Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of mechanical pipe couplings is tedious and time-consuming due to the need for complete disassembly and reassembly, requiring technicians to handle multiple parts and manually manipulate stiff, lubricated seal rings.
Innovation Solution
A stop assembly that maintains pipe coupling segments in spaced apart relation using retention elements on the fastener shank and coupling segments, allowing pre-assembled couplings to be easily aligned with pipe elements without disassembly, using O-rings, collars, flexible plates, or other retention elements to limit shank motion and facilitate efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling segments are bolted together and completely disassembled during installation, then the segments can be repositioned to engage pipe elements, but the installation process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring handling of multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled with the fastener and retention element installed before reaching the installation site. The retention element is positioned on the fastener shank in advance to maintain spaced-apart relation between segments during shipping and handling, eliminating the need for complete disassembly during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element is extracted as a separate component that can be independently positioned on the fastener shank. This allows the retention function to be separated from the fastening operation, enabling the fastener to serve its primary purpose while the retention element independently maintains segment spacing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ring seal is lubricated and stretched to accommodate pipe elements, then the seal can be installed, but manual manipulation becomes difficult and the process becomes messy
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal is pre-installed on the pipe elements before the coupling segments are positioned. This preliminary sealing action eliminates the need for technicians to manually stretch and manipulate the seal during installation, as the seal is already in its functional position when the pre-assembled coupling is brought to the installation site.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retention element maintains coupling segments in spaced apart relation, then the segments remain positioned without disassembly, but the fastener motion must be limited through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element acts as an intermediary component between the fastener and the coupling segments. It engages the fastener shank at a predetermined position and provides a surface that limits fastener motion through the opening, thereby maintaining segment spacing without requiring complex constraint mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A stop assembly for limiting motion of a shank of a fastener through an opening in a body is disclosed. The stop assembly has a retention element that is positionable on the shank. The retention element has a first surface that engages the shank for holding it at a predetermined position on the shank. A second surface on the retention element engages the body, and limits the motion of the shank relative to the body. Application of sufficient force to the body or removal of the retention element from the shank will allow the body and the fastener to move relatively to one another.