Telescoping Pipe Coupling Quick-Connect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping pipe couplings require significant time and effort for attaching pipe sections, especially during repairs, as they necessitate adhesive application or welding, which is inefficient when urgency is a factor.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping pipe coupling design featuring a hollow body, a hollow tubular insert, multiple gaskets, gripper washers, and retaining rings that facilitate quick and secure attachment of pipe sections without the need for adhesives or welding, allowing for easy insertion and retention of pipe sections through a sliding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional telescoping pipe couplings use adhesives or welding for attaching pipe sections, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical bonding (adhesives) and thermal processing (welding) with a purely mechanical connection system. The mechanical coupling device uses telescoping action with external and internal grippers that engage with corresponding features on the pipe ends, providing a secure mechanical interlock that eliminates the need for time-consuming adhesive application or welding operations while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates a dynamic telescoping mechanism that allows for adjustable length and flexible engagement. The external grippers and internal grippers can move axially to accommodate different pipe lengths and positioning requirements, enabling rapid adaptation to various installation scenarios without requiring precise pre-measurement or complex alignment procedures
2Strength
If traditional telescoping pipe couplings require adhesive application or welding, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of operation and simplicity of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex chemical or thermal attachment processes with a simple mechanical gripping system. The external grippers engage with external features on the pipe ends while internal grippers engage with internal features, creating a strong mechanical interlock that is both easy to install and provides reliable attachment strength
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: external grippers for engaging external pipe features, internal grippers for engaging internal pipe features, and a telescoping body that accommodates length adjustments. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall 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
Enables rapid and efficient attachment of pipe sections, reducing the time and effort required for repairs by allowing pipe sections to be slipped into place, thereby improving the speed and ease of pipe system maintenance and construction.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of the body is typically lubricated to facilitate axial movement
Implementation Method 2
a first gasket disposed around the exterior surface of the hollow tubular insert for sealing the exterior surface of the hollow tubular insert with the interior surface of the hollow body
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping pipe coupling comprising a hollow body, a hollow tubular insert slidably disposed within the body, two gasket wells, two end connectors, one end connector coupled to each end of the telescoping pipe coupling, two gripper washer wells, a gasket for sealing the tubular insert with the body, two gaskets for sealing one or more pipe sections to the telescoping pipe coupling, two gasket retaining rings each comprising a shoulder, two gripper washers retained within the two gripper washer wells each comprising an outer periphery, wherein the shoulder of each gasket retaining ring is adjacent to the outer periphery of a gripper washer.