Split Pipe Coupling for Watertight Butt Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling methods fail to provide a watertight connection without moving rigid pipe sections, while maintaining the inner profile of the pipe, especially in applications like sewer systems where flow disruption must be prevented.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system comprising a tubular insert and half-tubular fitting sections that fit together to form a tubular section, allowing the insert to be placed within the gap between pipe ends, ensuring a watertight seal without altering the pipe's inner profile, and accommodating the gap created by conventional sleeve fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sleeve coupling is used to connect two pipe ends, then a watertight joint can be achieved, but the pipe sections must be moved and the inner profile of the pipe is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple components: a first coupling half and a second coupling half that can be assembled separately around the pipe ends. This segmentation allows the couplings to be installed without moving the rigid pipe sections, as each half can be positioned independently and then joined together to form the complete coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling halves are designed to nest around the pipe ends, with the coupling structure enveloping the pipe sections. The first and second coupling halves fit together to form a complete coupling that encloses the gap between pipe ends, creating a nested configuration that maintains the outer profile while sealing the joint.
2Reliability
If a sleeve coupling is installed on one end of a new pipe section, then a watertight connection is achieved, but the second end cannot be coupled because it abuts the existing pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses separate first and second coupling halves that can be independently positioned on each pipe end. This allows both ends of a new pipe section to be coupled to existing pipes without interference, as each coupling half can be installed separately and then joined together to complete the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design transitions from a single-piece axial insertion approach to a two-half radial assembly approach. By dividing the coupling into halves that can be positioned from different directions and then joined, the system overcomes the spatial constraint where one coupling would block access to the other pipe end.
3Ease of manufacture
If fittings or connections are added to connect pipe sections, then joints can be formed, but the inner profile of the pipe is altered and flow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is designed with different properties for different regions: the outer profile of the coupling matches the outer profile of the pipe to maintain the overall shape, while the inner surface of the coupling is designed to be smooth and continuous with the pipe's inner surface. This local differentiation allows the coupling to form a watertight joint without disrupting the flow path or altering the hydraulic profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner surface of the coupling is designed to be homogeneous with the inner surface of the pipe, creating a continuous smooth profile throughout the connection. This homogeneity ensures that there are no abrupt transitions, protrusions, or irregularities that would obstruct flow or disrupt the hydraulic characteristics of the pipe system.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling for coupling a first pipe to a second pipe wherein a gap exists between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe coupling includes a tubular insert configured to fit within the gap and match an inside diameter and outside diameter of the pipes, thereby providing a through-butt joint between the insert and the pipes. The pipe coupling also includes a half-tubular first fitting section and a half-tubular second fitting section, configured to snap-lock and form a tubular shape over the insert, the first pipe end and the second pipe end. In some embodiments, the insert is integral with the fitting sections.