Sealed Pipe Coupling Geometry for O-Ring-Safe Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings, such as wrap-around connector joints, face difficulties in disassembling accessories like pressure gauges and valves due to axial displacement requirements, which can damage O-ring seals and increase maintenance costs, as they often necessitate additional adapters that increase the number of joints and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design with a larger inner diameter at one end and a smaller inner diameter at the other, allowing for axial displacement without rolling or pinching O-ring seals, enabling the coupling to slide relative to the pipes for easy disassembly by moving transversely, thus avoiding seal damage and simplifying the disassembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wrap-around connector joints are used to connect pipe lengths, then ease of assembly is improved, but difficulty in disassembling accessories increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into two distinct regions with different internal diameters: a first region with a larger internal diameter for receiving the first tubular member, and a second region with a smaller internal diameter for receiving the second tubular member. This segmentation allows the coupling to be disassembled by sliding it laterally relative to one of the pipe ends, enabling easy removal of accessories without axial displacement that would damage O-ring seals.
2Ease of operation
If accessories are disassembled by axial displacement, then connection can be freed, but O-ring seals are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the displacement direction from axial to lateral. The coupling is designed to be disassembled by sliding it laterally relative to one of the pipe ends, rather than moving it axially. This dimensional change in the disassembly motion allows the coupling to be freed from the pipe end without the O-ring seals being pinched or damaged, as the lateral movement does not compress the seals between the coupling and pipe end.
3Ease of operation
If adapters are used to enable accessory removal, then ease of disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a connection element and as a disassembly-enabling element. By incorporating the lateral displacement capability directly into the coupling structure through its two-region design, the invention eliminates the need for separate adapters or additional components. The coupling itself provides the mechanism for easy accessory removal, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a coupling for use in forming a sealed joint between first and second tubular members. The coupling provides a through-passage defined by an inner coupling face and having a first open end for insertion of the first tubular member into a first region of the through-passage and a second open end for insertion of the second tubular member into a second region of the through-passage. A first inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the first region of the through-passage and a second inwardly directed engagement recess is provided in the inner coupling face in the second region of the passage. In the assembled joint, the first inwardly directed engagement recess aligns with a first outwardly directed engagement recess of the first tubular member to form a first channel for receipt of a first retainer to secure the first tubular member in the coupling. The second inwardly directed recess aligns with a second outwardly directed engagement recess of the second tubular member to form a second channel for receipt of a second retainer to secure the second tubular member in the coupling. The first region of the through-passage has a larger diameter than the second region of the through-passage.