Segmented Valve Coupling for Fast Pipe Installation and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical couplings for joining pipe elements require disassembly and reassembly, involving multiple piece parts and significant time and effort, especially when valves are integrated into pipelines, necessitating a more efficient installation method.
Innovation Solution
A combination valve and coupling design where segments are pre-assembled in a spaced configuration, allowing for the insertion of pipe elements without full disassembly, with circumferentially arranged projections and lobes that deform to secure the valve body and form a fluid-tight seal, and adjustable connection members to draw segments together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical couplings are designed with continuous arcuate projections to engage pipe elements, then the coupling provides secure mechanical restraint under high pressure, but the installation process requires complete disassembly and reassembly of multiple piece parts, significantly increasing installation time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and attached to pipe elements. Each segment contains projections for engagement, allowing the coupling to be assembled in a distributed manner rather than requiring complete disassembly and reassembly of a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The segments are pre-positioned around the pipe element with their projections already aligned to engage the pipe surface. The ring gasket is pre-placed within the segments' channels before final tightening, eliminating the need for on-site disassembly and reassembly operations.
2Reliability
If a valve is integrated into a pipeline requiring two separate couplings (intake and exhaust sides), then the valve is properly secured, but the number of piece parts and installation steps doubles, further increasing installation complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design integrates the valve body as a central component within a single unified structure. The intake and exhaust sides of the valve are housed within the same coupling assembly, eliminating the need for two separate couplings and reducing the total number of piece parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling segments are designed with universal engagement features that can secure both the intake and exhaust sides of the valve within a single assembly. The ring gasket system provides universal sealing capability across multiple pipe element interfaces.
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
This design reduces installation time and effort by allowing pipe elements to be joined without full disassembly of the valve, providing a secure and efficient fluid-tight seal while supporting the valve body and segments in a pre-assembled configuration.
Implementation Method 1
circumferentially arranged projections and lobes that deform to secure the valve body and form a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A valve and coupling for joining pipe elements has a valve body captured in a central space defined by a plurality of coupling segments attached to one another end to end. The inner surface of the valve body defines a bore. A liner on the inner surface surrounds the bore and forms a seal with a valve closing member. Circumferentially arranged projections on the segments engage and center the valve body within the central space. The liner has lobes that extend axially in opposite directions. The lobes are compressed between the segments and the pipe elements to form a fluid tight seal when connection members are tightened to draw the segments toward the central space and into engagement with the pipe elements.