Seal Projections Enable Pipe Coupling Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of mechanical pipe couplings is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for disassembly and reassembly of multiple components, including the seal, which requires lubrication and manual manipulation, making it difficult to achieve a fluid-tight seal efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The design features a seal with projections that allow the pipe elements to be inserted without disassembling the coupling, with deformable arcuate keys that conform to the pipe surfaces upon tightening, and a flexible, resilient material to ensure a fluid-tight seal, reducing the need for manual handling and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling is disassembled to remove and install the ring seal, then the seal can be properly positioned and lubricated, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled with the ring seal already installed and positioned in the channel before reaching the installation site. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for technicians to disassemble, remove, lubricate, and reinstall the seal during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining proper seal positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The ring seal is nested within the coupling segments' channels during manufacturing, allowing it to be transported and installed as an integrated unit. The seal is captured within the segments' channels, enabling the entire assembly to be installed without disassembly, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of seal installation and installation time
2Ease of operation
If the ring seal is lubricated and stretched manually, then it can be installed on the pipe elements, but the process becomes messy and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The ring seal is pre-lubricated and pre-positioned within the coupling segments during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for on-site lubrication and manual stretching operations that create messiness and manipulation difficulties, while ensuring the seal is properly prepared for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed to be received in an installation-ready configuration where the seal is self-positioned within the segments' channels. The seal serves itself by being pre-installed and secured, eliminating the need for manual handling, lubrication, and stretching operations that create messiness
3Reliability
If multiple piece parts are handled during assembly, then the coupling can be properly constructed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments, ring seal, and fasteners are combined into a single pre-assembled unit that is supplied in an installation-ready configuration. This merging of multiple components into one integrated assembly maintains the reliability of proper construction while dramatically improving installation productivity by reducing the number of handling operations required
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple piece parts are pre-assembled and configured during manufacturing into an installation-ready coupling. This preliminary assembly ensures proper construction reliability while enabling rapid installation without the need for technicians to handle and assemble multiple individual components on-site, thus improving productivity
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
This solution enables the installation of pipe couplings without disassembly, simplifying the process, reducing time and effort, and ensuring a reliable fluid-tight seal by allowing pipe elements to be inserted directly into the coupling and conforming to the pipe surfaces during tightening.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, resilient material to ensure a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A ring-shaped seal has projections on an outwardly facing surface in the form of tubes which have a longitudinal axis oriented perpendicular to a plane containing the ring. The seal is received within a channel defined by segments attached end to end forming a coupling for coupling pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments have pockets which receive the projections. The projections support the segments in spaced apart relation to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without loosening or disassembling it. The projections deform when the segments are drawn toward one another by adjustably tightenable fasteners and allow the segments to engage and capture the pipe elements in end to end relation.