Preassembled Pipe Coupler With Deformable Keys for Fast Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe element couplers require disassembly of components during installation, making the process time-consuming and costly, and do not facilitate quick or easy assembly.
Innovation Solution
A pipe element coupler with preassembled components that can be directly sleeved onto enlarged coupling end portions of pipe elements, featuring engaging keys with varying radii of curvature that deform to match the groove circumference, reducing the need for disassembly and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pipe element coupler components are disassembled before installation, then the engaging keys can be properly positioned in the grooves, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and effort-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket and fastener are pre-assembled onto the coupling member before installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need to disassemble components during installation, allowing the coupler to be directly installed onto the pipe elements by simply operating the fastener to secure the coupling members together.
2Reliability
If conventional pipe element coupler components are disassembled for installation, then proper engagement can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-installed onto the coupling member during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled and secured during installation, simplifying the installation process and reducing labor costs while maintaining reliable engagement through proper gasket positioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If the engaging keys have fixed circular surfaces, then manufacturing is simplified, but they cannot firmly attach to the groove circumferance
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging surfaces of the engaging keys are designed with varying radii of curvature instead of fixed circular surfaces. When the fastener is operated to secure the coupling members, the engaging surfaces deform under compression to conform to the groove circumference, creating a firm attachment. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable engagement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled deformation.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used in the coupler, then the coupling is more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket and fastener are merged into a pre-assembled unit on the coupling member. Instead of treating these as separate components requiring individual installation steps, they are combined in advance, reducing the operational complexity during installation while maintaining the reliability benefits of having both sealing (gasket) and securing (fastener) functions.
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 quick and reliable coupling of pipe elements with reduced installation steps and time, ensuring stable and firm engagement without the need for additional tools or disassembly of fasteners and gaskets.
Implementation Method 1
each of the engaging surfaces is deformed to change the varying radiuses of curvature, so as to substantially match a radius of curvature of the groove circumference
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe element coupler includes a plurality of coupling members, a gasket disposed in the coupling members and a fastening element. Each of the coupling members includes two engaging keys at two coupling end portions thereof each having an engaging surface that has varying radiuses of curvature. The fastening element is coupled at the coupling members, wherein the pipe element coupler is adapted for being preassembled on the two pipe elements to align the engaging keys with the corresponding grooves of the pipe elements. When the fastening element is operated to fasten the coupling members together, each of the engaging surfaces is deformed to change the varying radiuses of curvature, so as to substantially match a radius of curvature of the groove circumference at the bottom of the groove of the pipe element.