Polymeric Duct Coupler With Square Threads For Liquid-Tight Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct couplers for multi-strand post-tensioned concrete structures are cumbersome and unreliable in providing a water-tight seal between adjacent sections, leading to potential corrosion from corrosive elements.
Innovation Solution
A duct coupling system featuring a tubular coupler with unique square threads and elastomeric seals that align axially with the ducts, allowing for easy installation and a secure, liquid-tight seal through rotational engagement with the ducts' ridges, formed via injection molding for efficiency and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional duct couplers are used to join adjacent duct sections, then the ducts can be connected, but the seal is unreliable and installation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The thread configuration is segmented into distinct narrow width portions and wide width portions, allowing the coupler to engage ducts in a controlled manner. The narrow portions facilitate initial alignment while the wide portions provide secure locking, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal acts as an intermediary element between the coupler body and the ducts, providing a reliable water-tight seal. This separate sealing component ensures that the structural connection and sealing functions are independently optimized, achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Productivity
If traditional duct couplers are used, then duct connection is possible, but installation time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated coupler body, eliminating the need for separate alignment and sealing operations. The unique thread configuration combines guidance and locking features, reducing installation steps and time while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric thread profile with varying widths creates a self-guiding mechanism that automatically aligns ducts during installation. This asymmetric design simplifies the installation process by eliminating complex alignment procedures while maintaining a straightforward coupler structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If simple duct connections are made, then installation is fast, but protection against corrosive elements is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal serves as a protective intermediary that creates a water-tight barrier between connected ducts. This separate sealing layer provides reliable corrosion protection without complicating the manufacturing process, as the seal can be independently selected and installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the elastomeric seal are optimized to provide effective corrosion resistance. By selecting materials with appropriate chemical resistance and durability parameters, reliable protection against corrosive elements is achieved while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard material selection.
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 system effectively establishes a fast and reliable liquid-tight seal between ducts, reducing installation complexity and time while ensuring protection against corrosive elements, and can be efficiently manufactured through injection molding.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric seal established a liquid-tight seal between the coupler and the duct
Implementation Method 2
The thread of the duct had a unique configuration. The thread extended radially outwardly of the duct for a lesser distance at the narrow width portion than at the wide width portion
Data Source
AI summary
A duct coupling system has a first duct with and end having a threads thereon, a second duct having an end with threads thereon, and a coupler having a first end threadedly engaged with the threads of the first duct and a second end threadedly engaged with the threads of the second duct. The ducts and the coupler are each integrally formed of a polymeric material. A plurality of tendons extend through the interior passageways of the ducts of the coupler.