Pre-Assembled Coupling Cap for Single-Worker Pipe Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single worker to align and secure pipe elements within slip-on couplings efficiently, often requiring multiple workers, which reduces assembly efficiency and increases man-hours in piping system assembly.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled coupling assembly with a cap and coupling design, where the cap has an annular ring and raised lip to retain the coupling in a relaxed position, allowing easy alignment and secure attachment to a pipe fitting, and a gasket within the coupling bore that compresses when tightened, ensuring a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slip-on couplings are used to connect pipe elements, then the piping system can be assembled, but it requires multiple workers to align and secure the pipe elements, reducing assembly efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled with the pipe fitting, with the pipe fitting inserted into the coupling bore and the coupling retained on the pipe fitting in a relaxed position before installation. This preliminary assembly allows the entire coupling assembly to be handled as a single unit, enabling one worker to install it without needing to align multiple separate components during the actual assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the coupling and pipe fitting into a single pre-assembled unit. By merging these two components before installation, the system transforms a multi-step alignment process into a single-step installation process, where one worker can attach the entire assembly to the pipe element without needing to coordinate multiple workers for alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple workers are used to assemble pipe couplings, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the man hours required to assemble the piping system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and positioning of the pipe fitting within the coupling are performed in advance during the pre-assembly process. This preliminary action ensures that when the coupling assembly is installed, the alignment is already established, eliminating the need for multiple workers to coordinate alignment during installation and reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled coupling assembly is designed to be self-aligning during installation. The coupling is retained on the pipe fitting in a relaxed position that allows it to be easily attached to the pipe element while maintaining proper alignment without requiring external alignment assistance from multiple workers.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is retained on the pipe fitting in a relaxed position, then easy alignment is achieved, but the coupling must be securely tightened to prevent accidental disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed to transition from a static relaxed position during alignment to a secured tightened position during operation. The coupling can be easily attached in a relaxed state for simple alignment, then tightened to a tensioned position to prevent accidental disassembly, providing both ease of operation and reliability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the coupling assembly have different functional properties: the coupling is retained on the pipe fitting in a relaxed position that allows easy alignment and attachment, while the tightening mechanism provides a secured connection when tightened. This local differentiation of properties allows the same component to provide both ease of alignment and security against disassembly.
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
This design enables a single worker to easily attach and secure pipe fittings, reducing the need for multiple workers and minimizing assembly time while maintaining a reliable seal, and preventing accidental disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket disposed within the coupling bore, the gasket being relaxed and uncompressed when the coupling is in a relaxed position
Data Source
AI summary
A cap configured for engagement with a coupling can comprise an annular ring extending circumferentially around an outer portion of the cap, the cap defining an inner end and an outer end disposed opposite from the inner end, the annular ring defining a sealing surface between the inner end and the outer end, the annular ring defining a raised lip at the inner end, the raised lip extending radially outward from the sealing surface; and a web, the web enclosing the annular ring.