Segmented Pipe Coupling Assembly for Rigid Leak-Tight Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling systems require complex assembly and may not ensure a secure, fluid-tight seal due to the need for deformation of segments during installation, which can be challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pre-assembled pipe coupling system with a housing and gasket that includes multiple segments manually manipulated to define an insertion boundary, utilizing a combination of interlocks and a clenchable fastener to securely engage pipe ends and form a fluid-tight seal without requiring segment deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipe coupling segments are designed to be deformable for assembly, then the segments can be installed onto pipe ends, but the structural integrity and rigidity of the coupling are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple rigid segments that are interconnected through hinge connections. Each segment maintains its rigidity while the hinge joints enable relative movement between segments during assembly. This segmentation allows the coupling to adapt to pipe ends without requiring the segments themselves to be deformable, thus preserving structural integrity while enabling easy assembly.
2Strength
If pipe coupling segments are made rigid for structural integrity, then the coupling strength is improved, but the segments cannot be easily manipulated during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic assembly through hinge connections. The hinges allow the segments to rotate and adjust their positions relative to each other during installation, making the rigid segments manipulatable. Once assembled, the segments maintain their rigidity for structural integrity while the hinges provide the necessary flexibility during the installation process.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure segments, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single fastener that secures multiple segments simultaneously. The fastener passes through aligned openings in multiple segments and uses a deformation mechanism to lock all segments together in one operation. This merging reduces the number of separate fastening operations required, simplifying assembly while maintaining the reliability of securing multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The segments are pre-aligned during assembly so that their openings are positioned to receive the fastener. The hinge connections naturally guide the segments into proper alignment as they are manipulated into position. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable fastening.
4Adaptability or versatility
If segments are interconnected with hinge connections, then the coupling can accommodate pipe misalignment, but the insertion boundary span increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections enable the segmented coupling to form a curved or arcuate configuration that can wrap around pipe ends. This curved arrangement allows the coupling to accommodate pipe misalignment by distributing the adaptation across multiple angled segments rather than requiring a single long linear span. The curved geometry efficiently bridges misaligned pipes while minimizing the overall insertion boundary span.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A pre-assembled pipe coupling (11) includes a gasket (200), a housing (12) surrounding the gasket, and a fastener (20). The housing has three segments sequentially coupled to each other to define an insertion boundary. A first segment (12c) includes a first mount (18) extending lateral in a first direction from the wall and having a plurality of first lateral walls that define a first aperture (22), and a second mount (18) extending laterally in a second direction from the wall, the second mount having a plurality of second lateral walls that define a second aperture (22). A second segment (12a) includes a first hook (14) disposed in the first aperture and a first tab (16) defining a first fastener aperture. A third segment (12b) includes a second hook (14) disposed in the second aperture and a second tab (16) defining a second fastener aperture. The fastener is disposed through the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture.