Pipe Press Coupling Sleeve for Symmetric Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press connections for pipes in hazardous or sensitive environments, such as those with explosive, combustible, or medical/chemical media, face issues with uncontrolled deformation, displacement, and asymmetrical force distribution during pressing, especially when thin-walled pipes are involved, limiting their use in new installations and repairs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a one-piece cylindrical support sleeve with a central radially outward collar and radially inward annular recesses, along with a double-stepped collar on the coupling sleeve, ensures self-centering, controlled force distribution, and minimizes deformations by forming a precise cavity for pipe ends, using longitudinal grooves for anti-twist protection and recesses to absorb surface deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional press connection with support sleeve and press sleeve is used, then the pipe connection can be established without welding, but deformations and damage to the inner pipe walls occur during pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into functionally distinct components: a support sleeve with collar that provides positioning and support, and press sleeves that apply controlled compressive force. The segmentation of forces through the collar structure prevents direct transmission of pressing forces to the pipe ends, avoiding inner wall deformations while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a two-part coupling with support sleeve and press sleeve is used, then the pipe ends can be positioned in an annular gap, but the pipe ends can be displaced and axial forces are not distributed symmetrically
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve with collar is installed beforehand to establish precise positioning of the pipe ends before the pressing operation. The collar's engagement surfaces pre-align the pipe ends axially and radially, ensuring symmetric force distribution during subsequent pressing and preventing displacement throughout the connection's service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a press connection is used for thin-walled pipes, then welding is avoided in sensitive environments, but uncontrolled deformations occur during pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary element between the press sleeves and the pipe ends. It distributes the compressive forces from the press sleeves over a larger area and controls the deformation pattern, preventing uncontrolled deformations of thin-walled pipes while enabling press connections in environments where welding is prohibited.
4Reliability
If a coupling with multiple components is used to achieve secure positioning, then the connection can be made without welding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function and positioning function are merged into a single support sleeve with an integrated collar, eliminating the need for separate positioning elements. The collar is formed as part of the support sleeve structure, reducing the total number of components while maintaining secure positioning and reliable connection.
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
The solution provides a secure, symmetrical, and controlled press connection that prevents deformation and displacement, allowing for easy dismantling and adaptation to various pipe materials, facilitating safe and cost-effective repairs in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing process causes a self-centering effect on the pipe ends to be joined
Implementation Method 2
the press sleeves have a ramp-like rising contour, two sloping curved ramps are formed on the inner wall
Implementation Method 3
an end face with an inwardly sloping chamfer, and that the central double-stepped collar of the coupling sleeve has on its inner surface a radially outwardly directed collar with end faces extending on both sides
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling for establishing a press connection between pipes. The problem addressed was that of further developing a press connection also for the repair of pipelines, which press connection allows the pipe ends to be neatly applied in a connection part already during assembly, completely avoids deformation, crushing or damage to the inner walls of the pipes, and enables symmetrical and controlled force distribution and absolutely controlled pressing. Said problem is solved by means of a single-piece supporting sleeve (6), which has: a central collar (6.1) molded on radially outwardly and having end faces (6.1.1); on both sides of the collar, a molded-on region (6.2), which is provided, on the outer lateral surface thereof, with radially inwardly molded annular recesses, which are separated from each other by radially outwardly molded-on support surfaces (6.4); and an end face (6.5) having an outwardly sloping bevel (6.6); the collar (4) of the coupling sleeve (3) having, on the inner surface of said collar, a radially outwardly directed collar (4.3), the width of which corresponds to that of the collar (6.1) of the supporting sleeve (6).