Ratchet Pipe Coupling for Tight-Space Seal Tightening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe couplings with elastomeric seals face challenges in tight spaces due to limited access for tightening bolts or nuts, especially when near walls or adjacent pipes.

Innovation Solution

A pipe coupling with a single-action ratchet mechanism that allows for tightening via a ratchet rod with teeth engaging ratchet depressions on the coupling band, either from the side or center, using a cordless or pneumatic wrench or a gear arrangement, to reduce the inner diameter of the elastomeric seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bolts and nuts are used for tightening pipe couplings, then reliable clamping force can be achieved, but access becomes difficult in tight spaces near walls or adjacent pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping forceVSAvoidaccess for tightening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional bolt-and-nut mechanical tightening system with a ratchet mechanism that uses a cordless impact wrench or pneumatic tool. This substitution allows tightening to be performed from the side of the coupling band, providing access in tight spaces where traditional bolt tightening would be difficult or impossible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a ratchet mechanism as an intermediary between the tightening tool and the coupling band. The ratchet teeth engage with ratchet depressions to progressively tighten the coupling, while the gear arrangement (spur gear and worm gear) serves as an intermediary to transfer rotational motion from the drive rod to the ratchet rod, enabling side access tightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clamp members extend radially outwards for adequate bolt access, then tightening can be performed, but space requirements increase making installation difficult near walls or ceilings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess for tighteningVSAvoidradial extension space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the tightening access direction from the radial direction (where bolts would extend outward) to the axial direction (side of the coupling band). The ratchet mechanism allows the tightening tool to approach from the side, utilizing the axial dimension rather than requiring radial extension, thereby reducing the volume space needed for installation in tight areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Force

If manual wrench tightening is used, then adequate tightening force can be applied, but installation time increases due to manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening forceVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wrench operation with powered tools (cordless impact wrench or pneumatic impact tool) that deliver high tightening force automatically. This substitution maintains adequate tightening force while dramatically reducing installation time and increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ratchet mechanism employs periodic impact action through the gear arrangement and ratchet teeth engagement. The cordless or pneumatic impact wrench delivers periodic high-force impacts that progressively advance the ratchet teeth through the depressions, achieving rapid and effective tightening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 easy and efficient tightening of pipe couplings in confined spaces, providing a watertight seal without requiring extensive access for manual tightening tools.

Implementation Method 1

ratchet teeth that interface with the ratchet depressions, such that rotation of the ratchet rod causes the ratchet teeth to progressively advance from one set of the ratchet depressions to another set of the ratchet depressions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

an elastomeric seal disposed inside the coupling band... reduces an inner diameter of the elastomeric seal in the coupling band to tighten it around the outer diameter of the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastomeric deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12523320B1Ratchet clamp for pipe coupling

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 KRAUSZ IND

AI summary

A pipe coupling includes a coupling band and an elastomeric seal disposed inside the coupling band, ratchet depressions formed on a portion of the coupling band, and a ratchet rod assembly mounted on another portion of the coupling band. The ratchet rod assembly includes a ratchet rod formed with ratchet teeth that interface with the ratchet depressions, such that rotation of the ratchet rod causes the ratchet teeth to progressively advance from one set of the ratchet depressions to another set of the ratchet depressions, which reduces an inner diameter of the elastomeric seal in the coupling band.