Toothed Pipe Coupler With Smooth Bore for Cable Pull-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting pipes, such as welding and gluing, are inefficient and prone to damaging cables during horizontal drilling, especially when tensile forces are applied, and existing couplers fail to maintain a secure connection under deformation.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with substantially planar outer ends and circumferential teeth on a tubular body that securely connects pipes through a central portion, providing a smooth inner diameter and optional seals for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for quick installation and reuse, and featuring a securing mechanism like a sleeve or key ring for efficient connection and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional welding or gluing methods are used to connect pipe sections, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the process is inefficient and prone to damaging cables during horizontal drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional portions: a first portion with teeth for engaging one pipe, a second portion with teeth for engaging another pipe, and a central portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, enabling efficient connection without complex welding or gluing processes that could damage cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between two pipe sections, providing a mechanical connection that avoids direct welding or gluing of the pipes themselves. This intermediary approach eliminates the harmful effects of heat or chemicals that could damage cables during the connection process, while still providing sufficient connection strength.
2Strength
If a coupler with non-planar outer ends is used, then the connection strength may be increased, but the transition between pipe and coupler becomes rough, causing cables to snag and increasing friction
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs different local qualities in different portions: the outer portions have teeth for strong mechanical engagement with pipes, while the central portion has a smooth, substantially planar outer end that provides a gentle transition for cables. This local differentiation allows the coupler to simultaneously achieve strong connection strength and minimize cable snagging and friction.
3Reliability
If the tubular body has an irregular inner diameter, then the coupling mechanism can be more complex and secure, but cables may become snagged and damaged during pull-through
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the coupler is segmented into different zones: the first and second portions have tooth structures for secure coupling engagement, while the central portion maintains a substantially consistent inner diameter that provides a smooth passage for cables. This segmentation allows the coupler to achieve reliable coupling security while preventing cable snagging and damage during installation.
4Strength
If pipes are permanently connected using welding or gluing, then the connection strength is high, but the components cannot be reused or easily disassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs a dynamic, reversible connection mechanism using teeth that can engage with and disengage from pipe surfaces. This allows the connection to be as strong as permanent methods when engaged, but also enables easy disassembly and reuse of components, providing adaptability and versatility that permanent welding or gluing cannot offer.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A coupler for coupling to a pipe for protecting cables underground includes a tubular body formed of a first portion with a plurality of teeth on an outer side; a second portion with a plurality of teeth on an outer side; and a central portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. Such a coupler can couple one or more pipes together.