Pipe Coupling Tensioning Assembly for Easier Clamp Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair clamps face challenges in installation due to complex engagement mechanisms and the need for significant force and dexterity, particularly in confined spaces, as they require simultaneous operations to engage and tighten bolts and nuts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling with a tensioning system featuring a slidable second member that transitions from an unlocked to a locked position, allowing for easier engagement of fasteners, and a tubular portion with transverse slots for receiving fasteners, along with washers for force distribution and retention, facilitating easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bolt and nut engagement mechanisms are used in pipe repair clamps, then the clamp can be tightened effectively, but the installation becomes difficult requiring significant force and dexterity, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate clamp portions that can be positioned independently around the pipe. This segmentation allows each portion to be installed separately and then joined together, simplifying the installation process in confined spaces without requiring complex simultaneous operations
Solution Approach 2:
A bridge member is introduced as an intermediary component that connects the two clamp portions. The bridge member includes a slot that receives a pin, which in turn receives the fastener. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the engagement process by providing a guided path for the fastener and eliminating the need for precise simultaneous alignment of multiple components
2Productivity
If bolt and nut engagement is performed in traditional pipe clamps, then the clamp portions can be drawn together, but three operations must be performed simultaneously which is very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge member is pre-positioned on one clamp portion with the slot and pin already in place. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to simultaneously perform multiple operations, as the second clamp portion can be directly engaged with the pre-positioned bridge member, simplifying the installation to sequential steps
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acting as an intermediary between the bridge member slot and the fastener head provides a mechanical guide that automatically aligns components during assembly. This intermediary mechanism ensures proper positioning without requiring the installer to simultaneously coordinate multiple operations
3Ease of operation
If T-bolts are used in trunnion bars as in US 4,381,020, then bolts can be engaged and disengaged, but the clamp ends must be brought together by hand requiring significant force and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The pin serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the two clamp portions during engagement. By inserting the pin into the slot first, the clamp ends are guided together along a controlled path, reducing the manual force and dexterity required compared to directly engaging T-bolts in trunnion bars
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement function is extracted from the direct bolt-to-hole interaction and separated into a two-step process: first the pin engages with the slot, then the fastener engages with the pin. This extraction of the engagement function into separate sequential steps reduces the force and dexterity required
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising: a tubular casing, having a longitudinal gap between a first free end and a second free end, for fitting around a pipe; and a tensioning system for tightening the casing around the outer surface of the pipe, the system comprising: at least one fastener having a first end and a second end, for tightening the casing around the pipe;a first member, coupled to the first free end of the casing, configured to engage with the first end of the or each fastener; and a second member, slidably coupled to the second free end of the casing, configured to engage with the second end of the or each fastener, the second member being longitudinally slidable from a first position, in which the or each fastener is free to move radially out of engagement with said second member, to a second position in which the or each fastener is in retained engagement with said second member.