Pipe Covering Sealing Ring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for covering and post-insulating pipe connections, particularly in district heating systems, are complex and require significant effort, often necessitating multiple workers and the use of adhesives, which can be hazardous and impractical under construction site conditions.
Innovation Solution
A covering device utilizing a sealing ring and locking ring system that allows for snap-in connections and eliminates the need for adhesives, enabling a single worker to assemble the components with minimal force and handling effort, while accommodating manufacturing tolerances and pipe orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mold halves are connected by means of screws and nuts, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the assembly becomes complex and very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw and nut mechanical fastening system with a snap-in connection system using latching elements. The mold halves are equipped with corresponding latching elements that engage automatically when the halves are brought together, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection system into modular components: mold halves with integrated latching elements, closure elements with corresponding engagement features, and toggle clamps for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process compared to a monolithic screw-fastening system.
2Reliability
If closure elements such as toggle clamps are used to fix mold halves, then the connection is secure, but all components must be held in position simultaneously requiring multiple workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-assembled latching elements directly into the mold halves during manufacturing. These latching elements are positioned and configured in advance, so that when the mold halves are brought together during assembly, the latching elements automatically engage without requiring workers to manually position multiple components simultaneously. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex coordination during assembly.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to seal mold halves, then sealing is achieved, but the sealing process becomes complex and difficult under construction site conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive sealing method with a mechanical sealing system. The mold halves are designed with integrated sealing elements such as gaskets or lips that create a seal through mechanical contact and compression when the halves are assembled with snap-in connections and toggle clamps. This mechanical sealing approach eliminates the need for adhesive application, mixing, and curing processes, making it much more suitable for construction site conditions.
4Reliability
If considerable force is applied for snap-in connections, then the components are securely connected, but the risk of injury to the worker increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs toggle clamps that utilize mechanical advantage and dynamic motion to secure the mold halves. The toggle mechanism allows the operator to apply force in a controlled manner, using the mechanical leverage of the toggle linkage to achieve secure locking with reduced direct hand force. The dynamic action of the toggle clamp transforms small input forces into large clamping forces, securing the connection while minimizing the risk of injury to the worker.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a covering device (44) for covering a pipe section of a pipe (1) by means of a covering device (44) encompassing the pipe (1), in particular for covering a connection point (11) of two or more media-carrying pipes (2). The invention further relates to a method for reinsulating such a pipe section following such covering.To enable particularly easy assembly even under construction site conditions, it is proposed to slide a sealing ring (35) abutting the pipe (1) onto the ends of a pipe casing (34) resulting from connectable cover elements (5), thereby fixing the position of the casing (34) on the pipe (1), and to fix the sealing ring (35) to the casing (34) a locking ring (40) completely encompassing the casing (34) onto the connection area (41) of the sealing ring (35) with the casing (34) such that the locking ring (40) contacts both the sealing ring (35) and the casing (34).