Top Bar Coupling Radial Gasket Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings are often difficult to install due to the need for even bolt tightening and can be incompatible with pipes of different diameters, leading to leaks and sealing issues, especially in confined spaces and when dealing with varying international standards.
Innovation Solution
A top bar coupling system featuring a coupling body with end rings and a bar linkage that compresses gaskets radially to form a seal, allowing for easy installation with a single fastener and accommodating a range of pipe diameters through a tensioner mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe couplings with multiple bolts are used, then the connection can be secure, but the installation becomes time-consuming and difficult, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into modular components: a coupling body, end rings, gaskets, and a bar linkage with tensioner. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each component has a specific function, reducing the complexity of installation while maintaining connection security through the distributed modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple bolts and complex tightening patterns by using an alternative fastening mechanism. The bar linkage with tensioner replaces the traditional multi-bolt system, removing the disturbing complexity of bolt pattern tightening while preserving the secure connection function.
2Reliability
If pipe couplings are designed for specific diameter ranges, then they can provide proper sealing, but they become incompatible with pipes of different diameters from various standards
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate pipes of various diameters. The end rings with gaskets can be adjusted to seal against different pipe outer diameters, allowing the same coupling to work with pipes from different standards (ASME, JIS, etc.) while maintaining sealing reliability through the adaptable gasket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system incorporates dynamic adjustment capability through the bar linkage and tensioner mechanism. This allows the end rings to be positioned and adjusted to match different pipe diameters, enabling the coupling to adapt to various pipe sizes while maintaining proper sealing contact pressure through the tensioning system.
3Reliability
If gaskets are compressed unevenly due to improper bolt tightening, then leaks occur, but achieving even tightening requires complex procedures and access to all bolt locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex multi-bolt tightening system that causes uneven gasket compression. By replacing it with a bar linkage and tensioner mechanism, the system eliminates the need for star-pattern tightening procedures while ensuring even gasket compression through the distributed attachment points of the bars to the end rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar linkage with tensioner provides self-service functionality by automatically distributing compression force evenly across the gaskets when tensioned. The mechanical advantage and geometric arrangement of the bars ensure uniform force distribution without requiring operator knowledge of complex tightening sequences or patterns.
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 top bar coupling system simplifies installation by allowing a single fastener to secure the connection and accommodates different pipe diameters, ensuring a reliable seal without the need for complex bolt patterns, thus reducing installation time and preventing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
the first split ring configured to compress the first gasket radially inward in a tensioned state; the second split ring configured to compress the second gasket radially inward in a tensioned state
Data Source
AI summary
A top bar coupling includes a coupling body defining a first body end and a second body end; a first end ring attached to the first body end, the first end ring including a first gasket and a first split ring, the first gasket disposed within the first split ring, the first split ring configured to compress the first gasket radially inward in a tensioned state; a second end ring attached to the second body end, the second end ring including a second gasket and a second split ring, the second gasket disposed within the second split ring, the second split ring configured to compress the second gasket radially inward in a tensioned state; and a bar linkage attached to the first end ring and the second end ring, the bar linkage including a first bar; a second bar; and a attaching the first bar to the second bar.