Threaded Pipe Coupling Assembly for Corrosion-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers for pipes are time-consuming to install, require mechanical bonding, and are prone to corrosion due to their metal composition.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring an annular locking collar with external threads, a gasket, and an annular retaining sleeve made of polymeric material, which allows for easy installation without mechanical bonding, using a rotatable retaining sleeve to engage and seal the gasket between pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal couplers are used, then strength and durability are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly uses a composite structure combining polymeric material for the collar and retaining sleeve with a elastomeric gasket. This composite approach provides corrosion resistance from the polymer while maintaining sealing capability through the elastomeric material, eliminating the corrosion issue of pure metal couplers while preserving necessary mechanical properties.
2Strength
If mechanical bonding is used to attach pipes, then connection strength is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical bonding methods (welding, threading, flanging) with a mechanical interlocking system using external threads on the collar that engage with internal threads in the retaining sleeve. This thread-based mechanical system provides strong connections without requiring complex bonding processes, enabling simple hand-tightening installation while maintaining robust pipe connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric gasket serves as an intermediary element between the pipes and the locking mechanism. It provides sealing and facilitates the connection by allowing the pipes to be secured through simple tightening of the retaining sleeve, eliminating the need for complex mechanical bonding while ensuring leak-free connections.
3Strength
If conventional metal couplers are used, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly employs polymeric material for the collar and retaining sleeve, which are significantly lighter than conventional metal couplers. The elastomeric gasket provides necessary sealing properties. This composite material selection reduces the overall weight of the coupling assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the threaded locking mechanism and proper material selection.
4Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is pre-formed with external threads and the retaining sleeve is pre-formed with internal threads and a tapered bore. This preliminary preparation of threading allows for quick assembly by simply sliding the collar onto the pipe and tightening the retaining sleeve, eliminating the need for on-site threading or complex preparation steps while ensuring reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical bonding procedures with a simple threaded tightening system. The tapered bore in the retaining sleeve works with the external threads to provide self-aligning, quick-installation connection that achieves reliable sealing through simple rotational tightening, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
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
The solution provides a quick, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight coupling method that securely attaches pipes without the need for fasteners, preventing fluid leakage and reducing installation time.
Implementation Method 1
the outer circumferential surface of the body of the locking collar and the inner circumferential surface of the retaining sleeve are tapered. when the retaining sleeve is rotated from the unlocked position toward the locked position, the tapered outer circumferential surface moves along the tapered inner circumferential surface which forces the locking collar radially inwardly
Implementation Method 2
The retaining sleeve includes a plurality of internal threads formed in an inner circumferential surface of the retaining sleeve. Each internal thread configured to receive a respective external thread of the locking collar. The external threads and the internal threads cooperate to move the retaining sleeve axially along the locking collar
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly includes a locking collar, a gasket, and a retaining sleeve. The locking collar includes a body and external threads. The external threads are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the body. The gasket is positioned between first and second pipes, and the locking collar. The retaining sleeve includes internal threads formed in an inner circumferential surface of the retaining sleeve. Each internal thread is configured to receive a respective external thread of the locking collar. The retaining sleeve is rotatable between an unlocked position in which the gasket seal is disengaged from the locking collar and the first and second pipes, and a locked position in which the external threads and the internal threads cooperate to move the retaining sleeve axially along the locking collar so that the gasket seal is engaged with the locking collar and the first and second pipes.