Reusable Pipe Coupling Assembly for Fast Leak-Tight Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for pipes are cumbersome to install, require special tooling, and lack reusability, making them inefficient and costly for piping applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring an annular body with multiple inner diameter sections, a rib, teeth, and a locking mechanism, which allows for easy installation and reusability by clamping around pipes using a fastener to actuate the locking mechanism, ensuring secure and leak-proof connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling devices are used to join pipes, then secure connections are achieved, but installation becomes time-consuming and requires special tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: an annular body for structural support, a rib for engagement with the fitting groove, teeth for gripping the pipe, and a locking mechanism with fastener for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling simple hand-tightening installation while maintaining secure connections
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from an unlocked state to a locked state through actuation of the fastener, dynamically changing the coupling device from an open configuration that allows easy installation to a locked configuration that secures the pipe and fitting. This dynamic transformation enables both quick installation and reliable connection security
2Reliability
If traditional coupling devices are used to join pipes, then connections are secured, but the devices lack reusability and become single-use
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be recovered and reused after installation. The locking mechanism can be actuated to release the grip on the pipe and fitting, allowing the coupling device to be removed and reused for another connection. This eliminates the single-use limitation while maintaining secure connections during service
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with universal applicability to join various pipes and fittings. The annular body, rib, teeth, and locking mechanism work together to provide a standardized connection method that can be reused across different piping applications, enhancing versatility and reusability
3Reliability
If traditional coupling devices are used, then pipe connections are achieved, but special tooling is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to be self-installing without requiring special tooling. The fastener can be manually actuated to engage the locking mechanism, which automatically secures the pipe and fitting through the teeth gripping the pipe and the rib engaging the fitting groove. This self-service design eliminates the need for specialized installation tools while maintaining secure connections
4Strength
If a locking mechanism with fastener is used to clamp the annular body, then secure clamping is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the fastener provides clamping force, the locking tabs engage with the annular body to maintain clamping force, and the teeth and rib work together to secure the pipe and fitting. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining strong clamping force
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
A pipe (12) coupling assembly (16, 116) includes a body (64, 120), a rib (65, 122), and teeth (56, 124). The body (64, 118) has an outer diameter and first and second inner diameter sections (68, 128, 70, 130). The first inner diameter section (68, 128) is wider than the second inner diameter section (70, 130). The rib (65, 122) extends around the first diameter section (68, 128) and projects radially inwardly therefrom. The teeth (56, 124) are situated within the second inner diameter section (70, 130) and project radially inwardly toward a central axis (38, 134) of the body (64, 120).