Segmented Pipe Coupling With Nested Seal for Variable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe couplings face challenges in effectively sealing and adapting to pipes of varying diameters, particularly in providing a secure and adjustable connection for both same and different diameter pipes.

Innovation Solution

A pipe coupling design featuring a cylindrical barrel sleeve with circumferential flanges and clamping rings, where each clamping ring consists of two hinged portions that become 'iron-bound' during tightening, incorporating a nested seal with an inner and outer seal part for adjustable sealing and a handle for easier manipulation, allowing for secure connections across a range of diameters from four to twelve inches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single seal design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to pipes of varying diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying pipe diametersVSAvoidseal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is divided into an inner seal portion and an outer seal portion that can be separately installed and adjusted. The inner seal portion fits within the outer seal portion, allowing independent adjustment of each seal to accommodate different pipe diameters while maintaining a manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner seal portion is nested within the outer seal portion, creating a compact multi-layer sealing system. This nesting allows the seal assembly to adapt to varying pipe diameters by adjusting the position and compression of each nested layer, achieving versatility without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clamping ring is made as a single unit, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide adjustable compression for different pipe sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different pipe sizesVSAvoidclamping ring structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring is segmented into two separate portions that can pivot relative to each other about a hinge axis. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each portion to accommodate different pipe diameters while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward hinged connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping ring portions are designed to pivot dynamically about a hinge axis, transitioning from an open state for installation to a closed state for compression. This dynamic capability enables adjustment to different pipe sizes while keeping the overall structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the seal is tightly compressed, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the risk of damaging the pipe or seal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of pipe or seal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nested seal structure provides gradual compression through multiple layers, cushioning the compressive force before it reaches the pipe. The inner and outer seal portions compress in sequence, distributing the load and preventing sudden excessive forces that could damage the pipe or seal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal compression parameters can be adjusted by modifying the clamping ring closure force and the initial positioning of the nested seal portions. This allows optimization of the compression level to achieve reliable sealing while staying within safe limits to prevent damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the clamping ring portions are freely movable, then ease of installation is improved, but structural stability during tightening is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidstructural stability during tightening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping ring portions are designed to be dynamically movable during installation via pivoting about the hinge axis, then transition to a stable closed configuration during tightening. The hinge connection maintains stability under compressive loads while allowing the necessary movement for installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The two clamping ring portions are merged through the hinge connection to form a unified structure during the tightening process. The hinge allows initial separation for installation ease, then combines the portions into a stable, integrated clamping structure when closed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11274777B2Pipe coupling

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 ROMAC IND INC

AI summary

A pipe coupling includes a sleeve and a clamping ring. The sleeve includes a flange at least one end. The clamping ring is mounted to the flange. The clamping ring carries a seal and includes two spaced apart bolt engagement portions. The clamping ring further includes two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one. The two separate clamping ring portions function as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are brought into abutting contact such that the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other.