Segmented Pressure Ring Pipe Coupling for Angular Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings are complex and expensive to manufacture, and they do not easily accommodate pipes of different diameters and materials while ensuring a tight and tension-proof joint, especially with angular variations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling design featuring a pressure means divided into separate segments with radially extending openings and bolts that move inwardly when tightened, allowing for stability and sealing across various pipe diameters and accommodating angular deviations, with the option of integrally formed gripping and sealing segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure ring is formed as an integrally formed rigid ring, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate pipes of different diameters while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure ring is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pressure ring to adapt to different pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment can be designed independently and the segmentation enables radial movement to accommodate dimensional variations.
2Reliability
If a large number of wedged-shaped abutting elements are used for gripping and sealing, then the sealing and gripping engagement is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring and sealing ring are merged into a single integrated component. This combining reduces the total number of elements from multiple separate wedged-shaped components to one unified ring structure, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable sealing and gripping engagement through the integrated design.
3Strength
If multiple bolts are used to secure the pressure ring, then the tension-proof connection is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure ring is segmented into multiple independent segments that can be positioned and secured separately. This segmentation allows for reduced bolt requirements compared to securing a complete rigid ring, as each segment can be fastened independently, reducing total installation time while maintaining sufficient tension-proof connection strength.
4Manufacturing precision
If the pipe coupling requires accurate axial alignment, then the sealing engagement is improved, but the adaptability to angular variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure ring segments are designed to be radially movable rather than fixed in rigid positions. This dynamic capability allows the segments to adjust their radial positions to accommodate angular variations between the pipe coupling and pipe end, while still achieving proper sealing engagement without requiring precise axial alignment.
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
The design simplifies manufacturing and installation, provides stability under pressure, and allows for angular variations, ensuring a tight seal across different pipe diameters and materials, while reducing the number of bolts needed for faster assembly.
Implementation Method 1
An annular, resilient sealing means arranged between the flange and the gripping means
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling (1) includes a pipe-shaped sleeve (2) being provided with a protruding flange (4) at least in one end, said flange having a tapering end face (6). The pipe coupling further including an annular gripping ring (13) divided into ring segments (17), an annular resilient sealing ring (12) provided between the flange (4) and the gripping ring (13), a pressure ring (8) and tightening means of the bolt/nut type (26, 27). The pressure ring (8) is divided into a number of separate, mutually interspaced ring segments (10) each provided with an abutment face (9) adapted to displaceably abut the end face (6) of the flange (4). The bolts (26) extend through elongated, radially extending openings (30) in the flange (4) and through clearance holes (32) in the pressure ring segments (10).