Spring-Loaded Pipe Coupling for Pre-Assembled Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly during installation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, involving multiple piece parts.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring first and second segments with a spring assembly that biases the segments apart and an adjustable attachment assembly to draw the segments together, allowing for pre-assembled installation without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coupling is pre-assembled with segments bolted together and gasket captured, then the installation process is simplified and time is reduced, but the coupling cannot be installed without disassembly and reassembly according to prior art
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are pre-assembled with the gasket captured within the channels before installation. The segments are bolted together in advance, and the gasket is positioned within the channels during manufacturing or storage. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for technicians to disassemble and reassemble the coupling during installation, directly improving installation speed while maintaining ease of operation through the spring-loaded opening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling incorporates a spring assembly that provides dynamic functionality. The spring allows the coupling to be opened by pulling the segments apart, enabling pipe insertion, and then automatically returns the segments to their closed, engaged position. This dynamic mechanism maintains ease of operation during installation while preserving the benefits of pre-assembly, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the coupling segments are disassembled and reassembled piece by piece during installation, then proper engagement and sealing can be ensured, but significant time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket is captured within the channels of the coupling segments during pre-assembly, ensuring proper positioning and engagement before installation. The segments are pre-bolted together with the gasket in place, verifying joint integrity is achieved during manufacturing rather than during time-consuming field assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures reliability while dramatically reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly provides self-service functionality by automatically returning the coupling segments to their engaged position after opening. When the technician pulls the segments apart to insert pipes, the spring stores energy and then automatically pushes the segments back together, ensuring proper engagement and sealing without requiring manual reassembly. This self-returning mechanism ensures joint integrity while eliminating time-consuming manual reassembly operations.
3Reliability
If multiple piece parts are handled during coupling installation, then proper assembly and sealing can be achieved, but the number of handling steps and potential errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling segments are merged into a pre-assembled unit with the gasket captured within the channels during manufacturing. Instead of handling separate segments, gaskets, and fasteners during installation, the technician handles a single pre-assembled coupling unit. This merging of components maintains assembly accuracy through pre-verified proper engagement while dramatically reducing the number of piece parts that need to be handled during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is captured within the channels and the segments are bolted together during pre-assembly, ensuring all components are properly positioned before field installation. This preliminary combination of multiple piece parts into a pre-assembled unit reduces handling steps and potential errors during installation, while the spring mechanism ensures the components remain properly configured throughout the installation process.
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 into a pre-assembled coupling, reducing the number of piece parts handled and the time required for assembly.
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
AI summary
A coupling has first and second segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space for receiving pipe elements. A spring assembly attaches the segments at one end and an adjustable attachment assembly 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.