Restraining Pipe Coupling for High-Pressure Misaligned Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling devices fail to establish longitudinally restrained connections for pipes of different diameters and materials, especially under high internal pressure, and cannot accommodate axial misalignments effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling device with independent sealing and restraining capabilities, featuring a main sleeve, annular restraining elements, and spring-like elements that allow for radial displacement and adjustment to accommodate misalignments, using bolts and nuts for tightening, and non-concentric curvatures for even pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If existing pipe coupling devices use a single structure for both restraining and sealing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to establish secure connections under high internal pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate restraining elements and sealing members. The restraining members (including annular restraining members and grip elements) are structurally independent from the sealing members (such as seal rings), allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable connections under high pressure
2Manufacturing precision
If existing devices use fixed rigid structures, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to pipes of different diameters and materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates movable and adjustable components. The coupling sectors can be radially displaced towards the pipe, and the restraining members can move axially to accommodate different pipe diameters. This dynamic capability allows the same device to adapt to various pipe sizes while maintaining precise connection through the non-concentric curvature design
Solution Approach 2:
The internal face of each coupling sector features three non-concentric curvatures that enable better adaptation to different pipe diameters. This local geometric variation allows the device to maintain even pressure distribution and effective sealing across different pipe sizes without compromising structural precision
3Ease of operation
If existing devices use simple tightening mechanisms, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to accommodate axial misalignments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling sectors are designed to be radially displaceable towards the pipe during tightening, allowing the device to dynamically adjust to axial misalignments between pipes. The spring-like elements provide progressive compression that accommodates misalignments while maintaining effective gripping and sealing, all achievable through standard bolt and nut tightening operations
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
Ensures secure, leak-proof connections for pipes of varying diameters and materials under high pressure, allowing for axial misalignment, with easier installation and maintenance, and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
spring-like element, responsible for compressing the gripping elements against both the pipe and the circular sectors
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure belongs to the field of restraining connections for pipe couplings. The present subject-matter discloses a pipe coupling to be applied in structures for laying and blocking pipes with a circular cross section. In particular, the pipe coupling of the present disclosure may be used to establish longitudinally force-locked connections with PVC or PE pipes. The restraining pipe coupling for a pipe to be restrained, comprises a coupling sleeve for receiving an end of the pipe and comprising a coupling sleeve tab which protrudes radially and has an annular abutment surface; a sealing ring for sealing between the annular abutment surface of the coupling sleeve and the pipe; a plurality of coupling sectors which are shaped as circumferential annular sectors and radially displaceable towards the pipe by circumferentially tightening between consecutive coupling sectors.