Steel Pipe Coupling with Internal Groove Locking for Easy Pile Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steel pipe coupling devices require skilled hands for proper connection and are hindered by protrusions that increase resistance when driving piles, making it difficult to connect steel pipes easily, especially in confined spaces like small pits.
Innovation Solution
A steel pipe coupling device featuring a radially movable engaging member that allows for single-action connection and separation of male and female couplings, utilizing circumferential grooves and push sticks to ensure secure alignment and rotation, with optional springs for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the male and female couplings are fastened together by screwing, then the connection strength can be adjusted, but skilled hands are required to achieve proper strength and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from threaded fastening to friction-based pressing connection. The coupling strength is controlled by pressing force rather than screw tightness, eliminating the need for skilled operation while maintaining adjustable connection strength through controlled pressing during pile driving
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the threading structure and screw fastening mechanism from the coupling design. By extracting the complex threaded connection system and replacing it with a simple friction-based pressing interface, the operation becomes significantly easier while still achieving sufficient connection strength
2Ease of operation
If coupling members protrude beyond the outer peripheral surfaces of the steel pipes, then the connection structure is visible and accessible, but resistance increases when pressing the steel pipes into ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the coupling interface to be hidden within the pipe walls while the outer surfaces remain flush. The coupling mechanism is asymmetrically positioned inside the pipe structure, allowing connection functionality without external protrusions that would increase driving resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female couplings are nested within the pipe wall thickness. The coupling structures are contained inside the pipe outer diameter, with the male coupling inserted into the female coupling within the wall space, eliminating external protrusions while maintaining connection capability
3Reliability
If bolts are used to fasten the couplings together, then the connection can be secured, but it becomes difficult to turn bolts in confined spaces like small pits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bolts and threaded fastening mechanisms from the coupling system. By extracting the bolt-based fastening method, the design eliminates the need for tools and manual turning operations in confined spaces, while maintaining connection security through friction-based pressing
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs self-fastening through the pressing operation itself. The friction force generated during pipe pressing automatically secures the male and female couplings together without requiring separate fastening operations or tools, enabling operation in confined spaces
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device includes male and female couplings having first and second circumferential grooves on surfaces of the respective couplings that face each other when the couplings are fitted together. The coupling device further includes an engaging member. When the male coupling is pushed into the female coupling, the engaging member is retracted into the second groove, allowing the male coupling to be inserted into the female coupling, and when the couplings are fitted together, the engaging member is pushed into the first groove by coil springs so as to be fitted into both of the groove, thereby preventing separation of the male and female couplings in the axial direction. Countersunk head screws support respective divided pieces of the engaging member. Slotted head setscrews are screwed in at boundaries between the adjacent divided pieces to press the divided pieces against the bottom of the first groove.