Preassembled Pipe Coupling for Faster Groove Joint Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly during installation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, involving multiple piece parts and steps.
Innovation Solution
A preassembled coupling design featuring spring-loaded segments that can be easily opened to insert pipe elements without disassembly, utilizing a single fastener for attachment and a ring seal for a fluid-tight joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical couplings are designed with continuous arcuate projections that engage pipe element grooves, then the coupling provides reliable mechanical restraint and fluid-tight sealing, but the installation process requires complete disassembly and reassembly of multiple piece parts, significantly increasing installation time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into a body portion and a separate closure member that can be independently handled. The closure member contains the arcuate projections and is designed to be attached to the body portion only after the pipe elements are in place, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire coupling during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is prepared in advance with the arcuate projections already positioned and the gasket pre-installed. This preliminary preparation allows the installer to simply attach the closure member to the body portion without needing to assemble multiple small components during the installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical couplings use multiple piece parts including segments, lugs, fasteners, and ring gaskets, then the coupling can provide adjustable and secure connection, but the number of piece parts that must be handled and assembled increases, making installation more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into fewer components. The closure member integrates the arcuate projections, fastening lugs, and gasket retention features into a single piece that attaches to the body portion, reducing the total number of separate parts from seven or more to just two main components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the arcuate projections for mechanical engagement with pipe grooves, contains the fastening lugs for adjustable connection, and retains the gasket for sealing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling segments are designed with arcuate surfaces having radius of curvature marginally larger than the pipe element outer surface, then the projections can engage the grooves effectively, but the coupling requires significant disassembly and reassembly effort during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is pre-assembled with the arcuate projections properly positioned and the gasket pre-installed in the correct orientation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the closure member is attached to the body portion, the projections are already aligned to engage the pipe element grooves correctly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces the number of piece parts handled, and enhances the stability and reliability of the pipe joint, while also reducing weight and external profile.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly joins a first end of the first segment to a first end of the second segment. The spring assembly biases the segments away from one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A coupling (10) for joining pipe elements, said coupling comprising: first and second segments (12, 14) positioned end to end surrounding a central space (16) for receiving said pipe elements; a spring assembly (18) joining a first end of said first segment to a first end of said second segment (14), said spring assembly biasing said segments (12,14) away from one another; and an adjustable attachment assembly (56) joining a second end (58) of said first segment (12) to a second end (60) of said second segment (14), said adjustable attachment assembly (56) adapted to draw said first and second segments (12,14) toward one another and into engagement with said pipe elements.