PVC Pipe Coupler Joint With Multi-Lip Seal for Load and Leakage Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PVC pipe and coupler assemblies for underground applications face issues such as insufficient load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, and stress concentration at narrow grooves, leading to potential breakage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A PVC pipe and coupler assembly with a multi-lip sealing arrangement and a deformable wire lock mechanism, featuring widened annular grooves and multi-lip sealing rings to enhance structural rigidity and prevent leakage, while the wire lock ensures secure coupling and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional narrow grooves are used to accommodate sealing rings in PVC couplers, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but stress concentration occurs leading to notching and potential failure under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the groove by widening it from a narrow conventional design to a broader configuration. This parameter change reduces stress concentration at the groove location while maintaining manufacturability, preventing notching under axial and vibrational loads
2Reliability
If PVC pipe and coupler assemblies are used for underground applications, then corrosion resistance is improved, but load-bearing capacity is insufficient under heavy loads and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure combining multiple sealing lips made of different materials (such as PTFE and elastomeric materials) within a single sealing assembly. This composite approach enhances the overall load-bearing capacity and durability while maintaining the corrosion resistance benefits of PVC, allowing the assembly to withstand heavy axial and vibrational loads in underground applications
3Device complexity
If simple single-lip sealing rings are used in PVC couplers, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid sealing effectiveness is insufficient under heavy loads and turbulent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing function into multiple segments by incorporating several sealing lips in sequence within the sealing assembly. Each lip performs a specific sealing function, with the first lip providing primary sealing and subsequent lips providing backup sealing and compensation for wear or deformation. This segmented approach enhances fluid sealing effectiveness under heavy loads and turbulent conditions while maintaining reasonable device complexity
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 improved load-bearing capacity, reduced stress concentration, and enhanced fluid sealing, ensuring the assembly's durability and reliability under heavy loads and vibrations, while preventing accidental dismantling and leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable wire lock mechanism
Implementation Method 2
multi-lip sealing rings to enhance structural rigidity and prevent leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a pipe and coupler assembly (100) made of polyvinyl chloride is disclosed. The assembly include a pipe (101) having a first end (101a) and a second end configured with a plurality of outer threads (102). The assembly includes a coupler (103), comprising, a first coupling end and a second coupling end having a plurality of an inner threads (104). The first end of the pipe is non-removably coupled to the first coupling end. A locking means (107) is inserted in a first annular groove (105) formed in the first coupling end, to lock the first end of the pipe with the first coupling end. Further, a second annular groove (108) is defined in the flat portion (103c) of the coupler, and a first multi-lip sealing ring (109) is accommodated in the second groove (108) to form a fluid seal between the first end of the pipe and the first coupling end.