Pipe Coupling Tensioning Mechanism 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, where operations such as engaging bolts with lugs and tightening nuts simultaneously are difficult to perform effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling with a tensioning system featuring a second member that is longitudinally slidable from an unlocked to a locked position, allowing for easier engagement of fasteners, combined with a tubular portion and washers with annular recesses to distribute force and prevent washer displacement, facilitating easier installation by reducing the need for simultaneous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bolt and nut engagement mechanism is used in pipe repair clamps, then the clamp can be secured to the pipeline, but the installation becomes difficult requiring significant force and dexterity, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
A tongue-shaped member with a slot is introduced as an intermediary component between the bolt and the clamp body. The slot in the tongue-shaped member receives the bolt, allowing the nut to be tightened without requiring direct manual manipulation of the bolt head. This intermediary mechanism enables securement while reducing installation difficulty, particularly in confined spaces where dexterity is limited.
2Reliability
If three operations (maintaining clamp portions together, maintaining bolt and nut engagement, and tightening the nut) are performed simultaneously during installation, then the clamp can be properly secured, but the installation process becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue-shaped member is pre-positioned within the clamp structure with its slot oriented to receive the bolt. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for simultaneous coordination of multiple operations. The installer simply needs to insert the bolt into the pre-positioned slot and tighten the nut, breaking down the complex three-operation sequence into simpler, sequential steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp is designed to fit pipes of varying diameters, then the clamp becomes more versatile, but the engagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue-shaped member with its slot is designed to work universally with bolts of standard dimensions regardless of the specific pipe diameter. The same engagement mechanism accommodates different pipe sizes by adjusting the clamp's positioning rather than requiring different engagement mechanisms. This universal design maintains versatility while avoiding increased complexity in the engagement mechanism itself.
Data Source
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.