Segmented Conduit Coupling Ring for Easier Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling arrangements for cylindrical conduit sections are labor-intensive to produce and physically demanding to attach, requiring significant manipulation of heavy conduit sections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring radially extending receiving ribs on the first conduit section and a composable ring with inward cams, allowing for easier assembly by rotating ring sections that fit into these ribs, reducing the number of manipulations needed and enabling quicker, more ergonomic attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional metal ring with U-shaped receiving elements is used, then the coupling arrangement provides strong structural integrity, but the attachment process becomes physically demanding and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into two separable ring sections that can be independently mounted onto the conduit section. Each ring section has its own cam that fits into a receiving rib, allowing the sections to be attached separately and then joined together to form the complete ring. This segmentation reduces the physical effort required compared to attaching a single heavy metal ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring sections are pre-formed with cams that are designed to fit into the receiving ribs on the conduit section. This preliminary preparation of the mounting elements allows for easier and quicker attachment, as the cams are already positioned and shaped to engage with the receiving ribs without requiring additional manipulation during the attachment process.
2Strength
If a complete ring is manufactured as a single piece, then the structural strength is maximized, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is manufactured as two separate ring sections rather than as a single piece. Each ring section can be produced independently using simpler manufacturing processes, and then the sections are joined together to form the complete ring. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the structural integrity of the final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring is designed to be dynamic in its assembly process - starting as two separate sections that are independently mounted, then joined together to form the complete circular structure. This dynamic approach to manufacturing allows for greater flexibility and easier production compared to creating a rigid, single-piece ring.
3Reliability
If a heavy metal ring is used for the coupling arrangement, then the connection is robust, but the handling and manipulation of the conduit section becomes physically demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy metal ring is segmented into two lighter ring sections that can be independently handled and mounted onto the conduit section. Each section is lighter and easier to manipulate, reducing the physical demand on workers during installation. The two sections are then joined to form the complete ring structure that provides robust connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight parameter of the ring structure is changed by dividing it into two separate sections. This parameter change reduces the handling weight while maintaining the overall structural integrity and connection robustness when the sections are assembled together. The distributed mass of two sections is easier to manage than the concentrated mass of a single heavy ring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid conduit comprising a first and second conduit section, and a coupling arrangement for coupling the conduit sections, wherein the coupling arrangement comprises a pair of opposite receiving ribs that extend radially outwards from the first conduit section, and a ring that is to be mounted around the first conduit section that at a pair of opposite locations comprises a pedestal for a clamping organ, wherein the ring comprises a pair of opposite cams that extend radially inwards with respect to the ring, wherein the cams with the receiving ribs form opposite pivot points between the first conduit section and the ring, wherein the ring is composed of two composable ring sections that each comprise one cam that is independently, prior to assembling the ring, receivable in a receiving rib, and wherein the ring is composable by rotating the ring sections around the pivot points.