Polymeric Sleeve Coupling with Radial Step for Pipe Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer coupling devices for connecting rigid male endpieces to flexible pipes are complex, bulky, and costly to produce, with issues of pipe alteration and limited adaptability due to complex shaping methods and high tooling costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a polymeric sleeve with a radially inner part for a sealing lining and a metal socket with a radial step, where the sleeve is assembled to the socket using a continuous circumferential protuberance for mechanical assembly, allowing for a simple, robust, and cost-effective design that maintains pipe integrity and reduces bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal collar is used to secure the pipe on the connector body, then the pipe gripping is strengthened, but the pipe is altered during operation and the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric connector body is introduced as an intermediary between the metal collar and the pipe. The connector body has a cylindrical socket that receives the pipe, and the metal collar is assembled to this socket. The polymeric material acts as a buffer that prevents direct metal-to-pipe contact, thereby avoiding pipe alteration while maintaining gripping strength through the collar-socket- pipe connection path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the connector body from metal to polymer, which fundamentally alters the interaction mechanism with the pipe. The polymeric material provides compliance and cushioning properties that prevent pipe alteration, while still allowing the metal collar to exert sufficient gripping force through the socket interface.
2Strength
If the entire connector body is produced from shaped metal material, then the structural strength is improved, but the shaping method becomes complex resulting in high tooling and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is constructed as a composite structure combining polymeric material with an integrated metal collar. The polymeric base provides the main body structure with ease of manufacturing through injection molding, while the metal collar adds localized strength and gripping capability. This composite approach avoids the complexity of shaping entire metal connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal collar is merged with the polymeric connector body through assembly integration. The collar is designed to fit onto the cylindrical socket of the connector body, creating a unified gripping structure. This merging allows the benefits of both materials to be combined without requiring complex metal shaping operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discontinuous stops are used for assembling the sleeve to the collar, then the assembly flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly features (stops and grooves) are merged into an integrated design where the collar has a groove and the sleeve has corresponding stops. This integration simplifies the assembly process by providing automatic alignment and positioning features that guide the sleeve onto the collar without requiring additional complex assembly mechanisms.
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 mechanically simple, robust, and cost-effective fluid transfer coupling device with reduced bulk and production costs, enabling interchangeable components and improved holding power, while ensuring lasting sealing and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous circumferential protuberance formed in a single piece with the sleeve, said protuberance extending protruding radially against said step
Implementation Method 2
a radially inner part intended to surround an annular sealing lining mounted bearing on the endpiece
Implementation Method 3
axially locking the endpiece by a locking member with which the sleeve is provided and that cooperates with said protrusion
Implementation Method 4
The pipe is thus gripped between the sleeve and the socket axially away from this step
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-transfer coupling device designed to couple a rigid male endpiece to a flexible female pipe and to the production method therefor. The device includes a sleeve for gripping around the pipe and locking the endpiece, the sleeve having a radially inner part surrounding an annular sealing lining mounted in abutment on the endpiece; and a metal socket having a tubular portion gripped by the pipe and ending in a collar formed by a radial step which extends in an axial end and has a radial height, the axial end being mounted inside and in contact with the radially inner part and forming the base of a groove receiving the lining, the device comprising means for fitting the sleeve to the collar and comprising a continuous peripheral projection formed in one piece with the sleeve. According to the invention the projection projects radially in abutment against the step aver most of the radial height.