Slip-On Pipe Coupling With Gasket Sealing for Mixed Pipe Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Municipal piping systems face challenges in joining piping elements of varying sizes and materials due to different manufacturing tolerances and standards, which complicates the design of attachments and sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A slip-on piping element assembly featuring a coupling body with an outer and inner shell, gaskets, and an annular sealing ring that forms a channel for fluid communication, allowing for the secure joining of pipe lengths with minimal manufacturing effort, regardless of size or material variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional piping attachment designs are used, then piping elements can be directed only toward one piping material, but this limits adaptability to different piping materials and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple piping materials (ductile iron, steel, PVC) and different sizes within the same piping diameter class. The internal cavity and bore dimensions are optimized to universally receive various pipe materials while maintaining standardized external connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body incorporates adjustable parameters including bore diameter, cavity dimensions, and wall thickness to adapt to different piping materials and sizes. The design allows parameter variation within tolerances to accommodate manufacturing variations across different pipe materials while maintaining functional compatibility.
2Reliability
If different piping materials with different manufacturing tolerances are joined, then sealing becomes more difficult, but this increases the complexity of sealing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible gasket element is employed within the coupling body to create the seal. The gasket can deform elastically to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and dimensional variations of different piping materials, ensuring reliable sealing without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is designed to self-adjust and self-seal within the coupling body cavity. When pipes are inserted, the gasket automatically positions itself and creates the seal through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or precise pre-positioning.
3Ease of operation
If piping elements are joined without special tools or fasteners, then installation becomes simpler, but this reduces the strength of the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body features a rounded, bulbous shape with a smooth outer surface that allows it to be easily pushed onto pipe ends without requiring alignment tools or fasteners. The curved geometry provides mechanical advantage during installation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is designed to nest over the pipe ends, with the pipe inserting into the bore of the coupling body. This nested configuration creates a mechanically strong connection through the interference fit between the pipe outer surface and the coupling body inner surface, secured by the gasket seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A piping element assembly includes a coupling body and at least one gasket, the coupling body defining an interior cavity, the interior cavity in contact with the at least one gasket, the piping element assembly adapted for sealably connecting two lengths of pipe by insertion of the pipe lengths within the interior cavity and sealed by the at least one gasket.