Pivoting Pipe Coupling With Movable Gripping Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end-to-end pipe couplings require power tools for tightening, which is inconvenient in environments without electrical power and poses risks in explosive conditions, and they can be too rigid for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring pivotally connected segments with adjustable connection members and a gripping body that allows manual tightening and deformation to engage pipe elements, providing a fluid-tight, mechanically restrained joint without the need for power tools and allowing for adjustable stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power tools are used to tighten fasteners, then tightening speed and convenience are improved, but electrical power availability and safety in explosive environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power tool tightening with a manual mechanical tightening system. The connection members (bolts or screws) are designed to be manually tightenable, eliminating the need for electrical or battery-powered tools. This substitution maintains tightening functionality while removing dependencies on electrical power and eliminating sparking hazards in explosive environments.
2Strength
If traditional rigid couplings are used, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different applications and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable gripping body that can dynamically adjust its position and engagement with pipe elements. The gripping body is capable of moving between different engagement states, allowing the coupling to adapt to varying pipe sizes and application requirements while maintaining secure mechanical restraint. This dynamic component enables the rigid coupling structure to exhibit flexible, adjustable behavior.
3Strength
If coupling segments are made rigid, then joint strength is improved, but ease of manual operation and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable gripping body that facilitates manual operation during assembly. The gripping body can be manually positioned and engaged with pipe elements before final tightening, reducing the effort and complexity required for manual assembly. This dynamic component allows workers to easily manipulate and align the coupling segments during installation while the final tightened joint maintains high strength.
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 manual assembly and adjustment of pipe couplings, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and providing a flexible joint suitable for various applications by using a movable gripping body to engage pipe elements, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot attachment is positioned at one end of the segments. The pivot attachment pivotally connects the segments to one another.
Implementation Method 2
Connection members are positioned on each of the segments at an end opposite to the pivot attachment. The connection members are adjustably tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another.
Implementation Method 3
The contact surfaces interact with the reaction surfaces to move the gripping body toward the central space for engagement of the gripping surfaces with the pipe elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined at one end by a pivot attachment and at an opposite end by an adjustable connection member. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. A gripping body is captured between the segments. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces. The gripping body has angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping body radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping body engage and retain the pipe elements. A method of inserting pipe elements into the coupling while the segments and the gripping body are supported on a seal is also disclosed.