Spring-Loaded Pipe Coupling for No-Disassembly 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 preassembled coupling design with a spring assembly and adjustable attachment mechanism allows for the insertion of pipe elements without disassembly, using a single fastener to draw segments together and engage with pipe elements, reducing the need for multiple parts and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical couplings are used with multiple piece parts, then the coupling can provide secure engagement with pipe elements, but the installation process requires disassembly and reassembly which increases installation time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional coupling components (segments, keys, gaskets, fasteners) into a single integrated coupling body with integrated engagement features. The coupling body includes integrated keys that extend from the outer surface to engage pipe element grooves, and integrated gasket retention features, eliminating the need for separate piece parts and simplifying installation to a single positioning operation without disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body incorporates segmented engagement features (keys) that can be positioned at different angular locations around the coupling. These segmented keys engage with corresponding grooves in the pipe element, providing secure mechanical engagement while maintaining a simplified single-piece coupling structure that doesn't require disassembly for installation
2Productivity
If traditional couplings require disassembly and reassembly for installation, then the coupling can be adapted to different pipe elements, but significant time and effort are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is pre-configured with integrated keys and engagement features in the correct positions and orientations during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site disassembly, reassembly, and adjustment operations, allowing the coupling to be installed in a single positioning operation that significantly reduces installation time and increases productivity
3Reliability
If arcuate projections with marginally larger radius of curvature are used, then the projections can engage the outer surface of pipe elements, but the projections must be precisely aligned with grooves which increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement features use arcuate surfaces with carefully selected radii of curvature that match the geometry of pipe element grooves. The coupling body includes arcuate engagement surfaces that cooperate with the curved geometry of grooved pipe elements, providing reliable mechanical engagement while the integrated design ensures proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
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.