Slip Fit Pipe Coupler with Tapered Bayonet Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplers require specialized tools and materials like cast bronze for strength, making them costly and difficult to use in applications like septic tanks and industrial pits, where quick and easy disconnection of pressurized pipes is needed without leaning or crawling.
Innovation Solution
A slip fit quick disconnect pipe coupler with a double tapered channel and flange design, allowing for easy separation using a simple L-shaped removal tool, and manufactured from polymers like NORYL, providing secure inline coupling and disconnection without the need for threaded insertion or unthreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cast bronze or non-corrosive metallic materials are used to provide coupling strength, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction combining polymer housing with metal reinforcement ribs and threaded inserts. The polymer provides corrosion resistance and basic structural integrity, while the metal ribs and inserts provide the necessary mechanical strength for coupling and threading operations, eliminating the need for expensive cast bronze while maintaining coupling strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies metal reinforcement locally only where needed - in the form of ribs for structural support and threaded inserts for pipe connection - rather than making the entire housing from metal. This localized application of metal provides necessary strength at critical points while keeping overall manufacturing cost low through polymer construction
2Strength
If threaded insertion and mating is used for pipe coupling, then the coupling strength is improved, but the installation time increases and specialized tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the coupling mechanism into two functional parts: a quick-connect bayonet interface for rapid pipe attachment/detachment, and separate threaded inserts for initial pipe installation. This segmentation allows threaded insertion to be used only once during installation, while subsequent operations use the faster bayonet mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-installed threaded inserts within the housing during manufacturing. These inserts are prepared in advance to receive pipes during installation, eliminating the need for field threading operations and reducing installation time while maintaining secure pipe attachment
3Ease of operation
If a simple L-shaped removal tool is used for quick disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the removal tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simple L-shaped removal tool as an intermediary device that engages with the bayonet interface to provide mechanical leverage for separation. This simple tool mediates between the user and the coupling mechanism, enabling easy disconnection without requiring complex integrated release mechanisms within the coupler itself
4Reliability
If the channel and flange interface is not tapered and relies on elastomeric gasket friction, then the sealing is improved, but the separation difficulty increases due to frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric taper angles between the channel and flange surfaces, creating a mechanical advantage that facilitates separation. The tapered geometry provides a self-aligning and self-seating mechanism during assembly while allowing controlled separation when force is applied, reducing the frictional resistance compared to parallel surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A slip fit quick disconnect pipe coupler having an insertion portion and a housing portion which mate to form a sealed coupling between pipes. The insertion portion and housing portion are separable to decouple the pipes.