Split Ring Pipe Coupling for Easier Sealed Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling designs are difficult to install and require multiple steps, often necessitating the disassembly of the apparatus and stretching of a gasket to join pipe elements, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling system featuring a coupling segment with a ring groove and a pipe connection ring that can be compressed radially to engage with the pipe elements, allowing for easier installation and secure sealing without the need for extensive disassembly or gasket stretching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe coupling methods are used, then sealing and connection strength can be achieved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe coupling is divided into two separate components: a coupling body and a separate sealing ring. The sealing ring can be independently installed into the coupling body's groove before the pipes are connected, eliminating the need to stretch and install a gasket over the entire coupling assembly. This segmentation allows the sealing element to be pre-positioned, greatly simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is pre-installed into the coupling body's groove before the pipe connection process begins. This preliminary action ensures the sealing element is properly positioned and eliminates the need for complex gasket stretching and sealing during the actual pipe joining operation, reducing installation difficulty while ensuring reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If traditional gasket-based sealing is used, then sealing can be achieved, but the process requires stretching and disassembly which increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the coupling body structure, with an independent sealing ring that fits into a dedicated groove. This allows the sealing ring to be quickly installed without the time-consuming process of stretching and positioning a traditional gasket across the entire coupling, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is pre-positioned in the coupling body's groove before pipe insertion. This preliminary sealing setup eliminates the need for time-consuming gasket stretching and adjustment during pipe connection, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable sealing from the start.
3Strength
If pipe elements are joined with traditional couplings, then connection strength is achieved, but the coupling design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into a simple coupling body and a separate sealing ring. This segmentation maintains connection strength through the coupling body's structure while simplifying the overall design by using a straightforward sealing ring geometry that fits into a basic groove, reducing design complexity compared to integrated complex gasket systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted as a separate component (sealing ring) from the coupling body. This extraction simplifies the coupling body design to focus on connection strength while the sealing ring handles sealing, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining both strength and sealing effectiveness.
4Reliability
If conventional pipe joining methods are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but the installation process requires extensive disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is pre-installed in the coupling body before pipe connection. This preliminary action ensures reliable sealing is already in place before pipes are joined, eliminating the need for complex disassembly and reassembly operations while maintaining connection reliability through the pre-positioned sealing mechanism.
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
The system simplifies the installation process, enhances sealing efficiency, and prevents separation of pipe elements under internal or external forces, providing a more reliable and user-friendly connection method.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the pipe connection ring in a radial direction to engage the first pipe element
Implementation Method 2
compressing the pipe connection ring in a radial direction to engage the first pipe element
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling includes a coupling segment having an inner surface defining a ring groove proximate to an axial end of the coupling segment, the ring groove comprising a groove bottom surface extending from a first end of the coupling segment to a second end of the coupling segment; and a pipe connection ring disposed within the ring groove, the pipe connection ring defining a body with two ring ends and an outer surface, the outer surface of the pipe connection ring contacting the groove bottom surface at a midpoint between the first end of the coupling segment and the second end of the coupling segment when the pipe connection ring is in an uncompressed condition. The pipe connection ring may be a split ring defining an opening between the two ring ends, which may be square, tapered, angled, or stepped.