Spring-Biased Pipe Coupling for Pre-Assembled Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly for installation, involving multiple piece parts and significant time and effort, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring first and second segments with a spring assembly that biases them apart, allowing for pre-assembled installation of pipe elements, and an adjustable attachment assembly that draws the segments together for engagement, reducing the need for disassembly and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling is pre-assembled with segments bolted together and gasket captured, then the coupling structure is more complex requiring disassembly, but the installation process becomes simpler and faster
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled with the gasket captured within the channels before installation. The technician receives the coupling in this pre-prepared state, eliminating the need to disassemble, handle, and reassemble multiple components during installation. This preliminary preparation directly simplifies the installation process while accepting increased initial structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling segments are disassembled for installation, then the components can be repositioned and inspected, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is delivered in a pre-assembled state with segments already positioned and gasket captured, eliminating the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly process. The components are prepared in advance to be installed as a complete unit, directly reducing installation time while maintaining the ability to reposition the entire assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple piece parts are handled during installation, then the coupling can be assembled flexibly, but the installation becomes more expensive and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments, gasket, and fastening components are merged into a pre-assembled unit that is installed as a single package. This combining of multiple piece parts into one integrated assembly eliminates the need for technicians to handle and assemble multiple components separately, directly improving installation efficiency and reducing labor costs while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
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
This design simplifies the installation process by allowing pipe elements to be inserted without disassembling the coupling, reducing time and effort, and providing a stable, fluid-tight joint with enhanced mechanical restraint and tolerance accommodation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring assembly joins a first end of the first segment to a first end of the second segment. The spring assembly biases the segments away from one another.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A coupling has first and second segments (12, 14) attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space (16) for receiving pipe elements. A spring assembly (18) attaches the segments at one end and an adjustable attachment assembly (56) attaches the segments at the opposite end. The spring assembly biases the segments away from one another sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space while the segments are attached to one another. The coupling may include a split ring toothed retainer for coupling plain end pipe elements, or it may have arcuate keys which engage grooved or shouldered pipe elements.