Pipe Retrofit Coupling Assembly for Minimal-Disturbance Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting new devices with manually-adjustable or remotely controllable flow restrictions onto existing water pipes is challenging due to difficulties in assembling threaded port adapters without disturbing the pipe's position, especially in limited spaces or when misalignment is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a threaded port adapter, flexible sleeve, two-piece clam shell, and plunger assembly with oppositely threaded nuts allows for minimal disturbance installation by rolling the sleeve onto the pipe, eliminating the need for pipe misalignment and reducing torque on the device, using a process that includes preparing the pipe, aligning the adapter, securing the sleeve, and compressing it to create a seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded port adapters are used for retrofitting, then secure connection is achieved, but pipe position disturbance and misalignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate components: a port adapter with threaded connection, a flexible sleeve, and a compression mechanism. This segmentation allows the threaded adapter to be positioned independently while the flexible sleeve accommodates misalignment, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve changes its dimensional parameters (expands and contracts) during installation and operation. It expands to engage with the pipe and adapter, then contracts to accommodate threading operations, providing both secure connection and installation flexibility without requiring pipe disturbance.
2Ease of manufacture
If pipe misalignment is performed to assemble couplings, then connection is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve is pre-positioned on the pipe before the adapter is installed. This preliminary action allows the adapter to be threaded without requiring subsequent pipe misalignment or repositioning, reducing installation time while maintaining assembly feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve provides dynamic adjustment capability during installation. It can deform to accommodate the adapter positioning and then maintain a stable connection, eliminating the need for time-consuming pipe misalignment operations while ensuring proper assembly.
3Reliability
If high torque is applied during threading, then secure connection is achieved, but device damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve acts as an intermediary between the adapter and the pipe. It distributes the threading torque across a larger surface area and provides friction control, reducing peak torque requirements and minimizing the risk of damage to the adapter or pipe while maintaining secure 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
Enables the installation of devices like smart valves and flow-measuring devices on existing water pipes with minimal disturbance, reducing the need for pipe misalignment and eliminating the requirement for glue or threading, while providing a secure seal capable of withstanding up to 150 PSI water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the plunger assembly (812) compressing the sleeve (804) to expand the sleeve and form a seal between the adapter and the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a plunger assembly with oppositely threaded nuts that allows for minimal disturbance installation by rolling the sleeve onto the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly and method for retrofitting a water pipe for installation of a pipe insert or device is disclosed. The coupling assembly may include a plunger assembly, a two-part clam shell, an adapter port, and an internally ribbed flexible sleeve including first internal ribs and second internal ribs, wherein the first internal ribs are configured to engage a grooved portion of the adapter port. Prior to installation, a first portion of the internally ribbed flexible sleeve may be attached to the adapter port and a second portion of the sleeve may be rolled up over the first portion. The method may include aligning the port adapter with the cut water pipe; rolling the second portion of the sleeve from the port adapter onto the cut pipe; placing a two-piece clam shell over the sleeve; and tightening two oppositely treaded nuts over the two-piece clam shell.