Universal Coupling with Movable Gripping Elements for Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings are limited in their ability to provide a reliable, leak-proof seal and accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters and materials, particularly when connecting pipes of differing diameters and materials, often requiring multiple components and lacking adjustable features for secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a gripping device with movable gripping elements and a longitudinal adjustment mechanism, utilizing angled surfaces and annular seals to ensure a secure fit and seal across varying diameters, while allowing for conductive pathways if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling is designed to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters and materials, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling employs movable gripping elements that can dynamically adjust their position and spacing to accommodate pipes of different diameters. The gripping elements are designed to move radially inward upon application of force, allowing the coupling to adapt to various pipe sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is segmented into multiple gripping elements that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows each gripping element to be optimized for specific pipe diameters while the overall coupling maintains versatility across a wide range of sizes through the coordinated movement of these segments.
2Reliability
If adjustable features are added to secure connections for differing pipe diameters, then the reliability of the seal is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling utilizes self-adjusting gripping elements that automatically position themselves to match the pipe diameter being connected. When force is applied to the coupling body, the gripping elements autonomously move inward and conform to the pipe surface, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling changes its physical parameters (gripping element spacing and radial position) in response to applied force, allowing it to adapt to different pipe diameters. This parameter change mechanism enables the coupling to maintain reliable seals across varying pipe sizes without requiring complex adjustable features that would complicate operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spacing between gripping elements is reduced to improve grip on smaller pipes, then the adaptability to small diameters is improved, but the gripping force distribution worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed to dynamically adjust their spacing based on the applied radial force and the pipe diameter being gripped. When force is applied to the coupling body, the gripping elements move inward in a coordinated manner that maintains optimal force distribution across different pipe sizes, including small diameter pipes where reduced spacing is necessary.
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 coupling system effectively secures and seals pipes of different diameters and materials, providing a reliable connection that prevents leakage and accommodates a wide range of diameters, while also offering electrical conductivity when required.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the outer surface of the gripping member being an angled outer surface to co-operate with the angled inner surface of the coupling body or the movable member... upon tightening of the moveable member, the angled inner surface abuts against and exerts a force on the angled outer surface of the gripping member in a radial inward direction to cause the gripping member to be urged radially against the inserted member
Implementation Method 2
each of the gripping elements are movable upon application of a radial inward force to the outer surface of the body wherein a spacing between adjacent gripping elements is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device may be used to grip an inserted member. The gripping device has a body. The body defines a passage extending therethrough between opposite longitudinal ends. The body has an outer surface and an inner surface. The body includes at least three gripping elements spaced apart around the inner surface. Each of the gripping elements has a gripping surface for gripping an outer surface of the inserted member. Each of the gripping elements is movable upon application of a radial inward force to the outer surface of the body to reduce the spacing between adjacent gripping elements.