Pipe Connection Ring Segmentation for Fast Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings are difficult to install and require multiple steps to effectively seal and secure pipe elements, often necessitating disassembly and assembly of components to ensure a secure joint.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system featuring coupling segments with ring grooves and compressible pipe connection rings that allow for easy installation by sliding over pipe ends and tightening, eliminating the need for disassembly and assembly steps, and utilizing deformable links for radial compression to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe coupling methods are used, then reliable sealing and secure connection are achieved, but installation complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: coupling bodies with internal grooves, separate sealing rings, and connection rings with radial arms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly process, as components can be pre-assembled or replaced individually without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segments and sealing components are pre-configured with grooves, flanges, and radial arms in specific positions and orientations. This preliminary arrangement of components allows for quick installation by simply sliding the coupling over the pipe ends and tightening, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly procedures.
2Strength
If traditional pipe coupling methods are used, then secure connection against forces is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection rings incorporate radial arms that can flex and adapt during installation, allowing the coupling to dynamically adjust to pipe misalignments and variations in pipe end conditions. This dynamic capability ensures secure connection strength while reducing installation time by eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design utilizes changes in radial compression force during tightening to achieve secure connection. The radial arms and flanges are designed to progressively engage and distribute loading as the coupling is tightened, transforming the installation process into a simple parameter adjustment (tightening force) that simultaneously ensures connection strength and reduces installation time.
3Ease of operation
If simple sliding installation is used, then installation ease is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rings act as intermediaries between the coupling bodies and pipe surfaces, providing reliable sealing through their pre-configured groove geometry and material properties. This intermediary component ensures connection reliability while allowing the main coupling mechanism to remain simple and easy to install via sliding and tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms and flanges are designed to self-align and self-engage during the sliding installation process. As the coupling is slid over the pipe ends and tightened, the radial arms automatically position themselves to distribute loads evenly, and the flanges engage with the pipe surfaces to create secure connections without requiring additional adjustment or alignment steps by the installer.
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
Facilitates quick and secure sealing of pipe elements with reduced installation complexity, ensuring a reliable joint against internal and external forces without the need for complex assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing deformable links for radial compression to secure the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connection ring can include a plurality of segments and a plurality of deformable links. Each of the plurality of links can connect adjacent segments of the plurality of segments, the segments and links alternating about a circumference of the pipe connection ring, each pair of the adjacent segments and a corresponding link of the plurality of links connecting the adjacent segments and together with the adjacent segments defining a relief between the adjacent segments, each of the plurality of links configured to allow movement of the adjacent segments upon deformation of the link connecting the adjacent segments. The pipe connection ring can define a first axial end surface, a second axial end surface distal from the first axial end surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface distal from the inner surface.