Split Shear Plate Pipe Coupling for Large Diameter Differences

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe couplings for connecting sewer pipes with different diameters are complex, costly, and limited in their ability to bridge significant diameter differences, particularly when using elastomeric sections.

Innovation Solution

A split shear plate design with obliquely oriented cutouts and clamping screw connections directly attached to the shear plate edges allows for diameter adjustment without the need for a separate clamping collar, enabling larger diameter variations and improved flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional shear plates with axial cutouts are used, then the design is simple, but the ability to bridge large diameter differences is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to bridge diameter differencesVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shear plate is divided into multiple segments along its circumference, allowing each segment to be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation enables the shear plate to adapt to larger diameter differences between pipes while maintaining a relatively simple overall design structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutouts are oriented obliquely to the axis of the shear plate rather than purely axially, introducing a dimensional change in the orientation of the cutouts. This oblique orientation allows the shear plate to accommodate larger diameter variations by creating an expanded adjustment range in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If separate clamping collars are used to fasten shear plates, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping screw connections are integrated directly into the shear plate structure itself, merging the function of the shear plate with the clamping mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate clamping collars, reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs while maintaining secure connection through the built-in clamping screws.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If axial cutouts are used in shear plates, then the structure is simple, but the length of pressure surfaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlength of pressure surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutouts are oriented obliquely to the axis of the shear plate rather than purely axially, introducing a dimensional change in the orientation of the cutouts. This oblique orientation allows the shear plate to accommodate larger diameter variations by creating an expanded adjustment range in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances the ability to connect pipes with larger diameter differences by increasing the length of pressure surfaces and flexibility, allowing for a wider range of applications.

Implementation Method 1

it can be adapted to the diameter of the larger-diameter pipe by means of a clamping screw connection, thereby clamping the elastomeric pipe section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The elastomeric pipe sections are typically fastened to the pipes by means of clamps. To keep the wall thickness of the elastomeric pipe section small and to allow sufficient flexibility to bridge diameter differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4060215B1Pipe coupling for coupling two pipes with different external diameters
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 M D S MEYER
  • EP4060215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4060215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4060215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling for connecting two pipes with different outer diameters by means of a sleeve (1) surrounded by a shear plate (2), wherein the sleeve (1) can be attached to the pipes by means of the shear plate (2). The section of the shear plate (2) facing the second pipe is provided with cutouts (4) which separate a series of remaining pressure surfaces (11, 21) of the shear plate (2). When the second end of the shear plate (2) is attached to the second pipe, these surfaces press the end of the sleeve (1) together such that the sleeve comes into contact with the second pipe. According to the invention, the axially split shear plate (2) can be reduced in diameter at its end facing the first pipe by means of clamping screw connections (5, 6) attached directly to the shear plate (2), without the need for a clamping clamp (3). The cutouts (4) of the shear plate (2) are each oriented obliquely to the axis of the shear plate (2).(Fig. 1).