Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling Retention for Single-Worker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging for a single worker to align and secure pipe elements within slip-on pipe 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 featuring a pipe fitting with a raised lip end and a distal end, where the raised lip end is inserted into a gasket within a coupling bore, allowing the coupling to be retained in a relaxed position, facilitating easier alignment and securing without the need for multiple workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slip-on pipe 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, which reduces assembly efficiency and increases man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting in a relaxed position before field installation, with the gasket already positioned and secured to the pipe fitting. This preliminary assembly allows the coupling to be handled as a single pre-assembled unit, eliminating the need for multiple workers to align and secure separate components during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is nested within the coupling bore and secured to the pipe fitting, with the coupling housing containing both the gasket and pipe fitting. This nested configuration allows the smaller components to be integrated into the larger assembly, creating a compact pre-assembled unit that is easier to handle and install as a single component.
2Reliability
If multiple workers are used to assemble pipe couplings, then proper alignment and securing can be achieved, but labor costs increase and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling and gasket are pre-assembled in a controlled environment before field installation, ensuring proper alignment and positioning. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple workers to coordinate alignment during installation, reducing both assembly time and labor costs while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-assembled coupling assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-aligning during installation. The coupling in relaxed position with the gasket secured to the pipe fitting creates a unit that naturally aligns during installation without requiring multiple workers to manually position and secure components, reducing assembly time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is retained on the pipe fitting in relaxed position, then single-worker assembly is enabled, but the coupling must remain attached until intentional disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-assembled onto the pipe fitting in a relaxed position with the gasket secured, creating a pre-assembled unit that is easy to handle and install. The coupling remains attached to the pipe fitting through the retained position mechanism, which prevents accidental separation while allowing intentional disassembly when needed, balancing ease of assembly with controlled retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as an intermediary component between the coupling and pipe fitting, creating a retained position connection. The gasket is compressed between the coupling and pipe fitting, providing a secure yet reversible connection that allows the coupling to remain attached during installation and service while permitting intentional disassembly when needed, without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sprinkler configured for engagement with a coupling, the sprinkler including a raised lip end; and a distal end disposed opposite from the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a raised lip between the distal end and the raised lip end, the sprinkler defining a groove between the raised lip and the distal end.