Tabbed Pipe Coupling With Visual Retainer Orientation Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings for plain end pipe elements lack a clear indication of proper retainer orientation during assembly, leading to potential misalignment and insufficient mechanical engagement, which can result in insecure joints under pressure or external forces.
Innovation Solution
The coupling design includes strategically positioned apertures and channels that provide a line of sight to confirm proper retainer orientation and mechanical engagement, featuring a retainer band with angularly oriented teeth and tabs that self-actuate for enhanced security, along with a ring seal and attachment members for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retainers are used with angularly oriented teeth for self-actuating engagement, then mechanical restraint and security against withdrawal forces are improved, but it becomes difficult to determine if the retainers are properly oriented during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (apertures and channels) that allow operators to see through the coupling housing to confirm proper retainer orientation during assembly, effectively using optical 'color changes' or visual state changes to indicate correct installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the apertures and channels provide visual confirmation to the operator during assembly, allowing real-time detection of retainer orientation before final tightening, thus enabling corrective action if misorientation is detected
2Ease of operation
If apertures and channels are added to provide visual confirmation of retainer orientation, then ease of operation during assembly is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into segments with integrated apertures and channels, where the visual indication features are built into the segment structure itself rather than added as separate components, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing segments serve multiple functions: structural support, fastener attachment, and visual indication through integrated apertures and channels, eliminating the need for separate indication devices and reducing overall complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling (10) for joining pipe elements, said coupling comprising: a plurality of segments (12, 14) attached to one another end (22, 24) to end surrounding a central space (16) for receiving said pipe elements, each of said segments comprising: at least a first channel (54) positioned on a first side of said segments, said first channel (54) extending between said ends of said segments (12, 14); a first aperture (42) in at least one of said segments (12, 14), said first aperture (42) providing a line of sight (44) toward said central space (16).