Preassembled Pipe Coupling Seal for Compact Pipe Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly to connect pipe elements, which is inefficient and can lead to a less compact design due to the way segments are supported on the outer circumference of the seal, limiting the ability to achieve a more compact coupling design while maintaining spaced relation for pipe insertion.
Innovation Solution
The coupling design features segments with channels defined by angled shoulders and a seal with lobes that maintain segments in spaced relation, allowing pipe elements to be inserted, with adjustable attachment members and arcuate projections for secure engagement, enabling a preassembled state without the need for disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If segments are supported on the outer circumference of the ring seal, then the coupling can be assembled, but the design becomes less compact and requires disassembly/reassembly for pipe connection
Solution Approach 1:
The segments are pre-assembled and supported on the ring seal in spaced relation before pipe elements are inserted. This preliminary arrangement allows the coupling to be ready for rapid connection without requiring disassembly and reassembly when pipes need to be connected, thus improving both compactness and operational ease
2Productivity
If segments are held together by fasteners in preassembled state, then rapid joint formation is achieved, but the segments cannot be separated for pipe insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment members are designed to be adjustably tightenable, allowing the coupling to transition between a preassembled state (with segments held together for rapid formation) and a separated state (with segments spaced apart to permit pipe insertion). This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between productivity and adaptability
3Length of stationary object
If the ring seal is positioned close to the back surface at attachment member points, then segment spacing is maintained, but the seal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal is positioned close to the back surface specifically at the points proximate to the attachment members, rather than uniformly throughout. This localized positioning maintains segment spacing where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other areas of the seal structure
Data Source
AI summary
A preassembled coupling for joining pipe elements has segments surrounding a central space with cusps which engage lobes of a seal to maintain the segments in spaced apart relation in a preassembled state. While the coupling is in the preassembled state the pipe elements may be inserted into the central space without disassembling the coupling, and portions of the seal adjacent to attachment members on the segments seat within a channel defined by the segments between the cusps, while portions of the seal between the attachment members are further from a back surface of the channel.