Slip-on Groove Coupling with Pre-assembled Gasket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe coupling methods require disassembly and can be time-consuming and prone to alignment errors due to the need to stretch gaskets over pipe ends, which complicates the joining process.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a gasket featuring primary and secondary seals that allows for complete sliding over a pipe end without disassembly, utilizing fastening devices like bolts or snap-couplings, and optional features such as chamfered housings and spacers to facilitate easy installation and secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional gasket is stretched over pipe ends, then the gasket can be secured around the seam, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and prone to alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-assembled with the coupling housing before installation. The gasket is positioned and secured to the housing in advance, so that during pipe joining, the gasket is already in its final sealing position, eliminating the need for stretching and alignment adjustments during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is nested within the coupling housing structure, with the gasket inner diameter slightly larger than the pipe outer diameter. This allows the gasket to be received by the coupling housing after sliding over the pipe end, ensuring proper positioning without requiring stretching or complex alignment
2Reliability
If the gasket inner diameter is made slightly smaller than the pipe outer diameter to secure the gasket around the seam, then sealing is achieved, but the worker must stretch the gasket which complicates installation
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-positioned on the coupling housing with its inner diameter slightly larger than the pipe outer diameter. This preliminary positioning ensures the gasket will be properly received and secured around the pipe seam without requiring stretching during the actual pipe joining operation
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket has different dimensional characteristics at different locations: the inner diameter is larger than the pipe outer diameter for easy installation, while the thickness and material properties are optimized to provide adequate sealing pressure when compressed between the coupling housing and pipe seam
3Manufacturing precision
If the coupling is disassembled for gasket installation, then the gasket can be properly positioned, but the overall installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is pre-assembled with the coupling housing in the manufacturing or preparation phase. This preliminary assembly ensures precise gasket positioning relative to the housing sealing surfaces, and the complete assembly is then installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for disassembly during field installation
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket and coupling housing are combined into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging of components simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of separate operations required, while maintaining precise gasket positioning through the pre-established geometric relationships in the assembled configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Couplings and gaskets are disclosed. Couplings may include an upper housing, a lower housing, at least one fastening device coupling the upper housing to the lower housing, and a gasket positioned within the upper and lower housings, the gasket including two primary seals and a rib protruding from an inner surface of the gasket and between the two primary seals.