Valve Seal Liner With Opposed Lobes for Fast Pipe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical pipe couplings require disassembly and reassembly for installation, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when valves are involved, as they necessitate two couplings on both intake and exhaust sides, increasing the complexity and effort required.
Innovation Solution
A combination valve and coupling design where segments are pre-assembled and held in a spaced relation, allowing for the insertion of pipe elements without full disassembly, featuring a flexible liner with lobes and projections that secure the valve body within the segments, enabling a fluid-tight seal and preventing dislocation under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical couplings are designed with continuous arcuate projections that engage pipe element grooves, then the coupling provides mechanical restraint and fluid-tight seal under high pressure, but the installation process requires complete disassembly and reassembly of multiple segments and fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling segments into a single integrated coupling body with a unified housing that contains internal projections. This merging eliminates the need to assemble multiple separate segments during installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining the mechanical restraint and sealing functions through the integrated structure's internal projections engaging with pipe element grooves
2Adaptability or versatility
If a valve is positioned within a pipeline requiring two separate couplings on intake and exhaust sides, then the valve function is achieved, but the installation complexity and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve body directly into the coupling structure, creating a single integrated unit that combines valve functionality with coupling capabilities. This eliminates the need for separate couplings on both sides of the valve, reducing installation complexity from requiring multiple couplings to a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve-coupling unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the coupling function to join pipe elements, the valve function to control fluid flow, and the sealing function to prevent leakage. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the pipeline system
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
This design allows for efficient installation of pipe joints by eliminating the need for full disassembly and reassembly, reducing installation time and effort, while maintaining a secure and leak-proof connection, even under high axial loads and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a seal comprising a resilient liner which sealingly engages the valve closing member when it is in the closed configuration
Implementation Method 2
first and second lobes positioned on opposite sides of the ring and extending circumferentially around the ring in opposite directions from one another along an axis coaxial with the bore, each lobe comprising a respective band having a first edge attached to the ring and a second edge comprising a sealing surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A seal for a valve having a valve closing member. The seal comprises a ring (54) having an inner surface (54a) surrounding a bore (40), the inner surface (54a) being in use sealingly engageable with the valve closing member. First and second lobes (56, 58) are positioned on opposite sides of the ring (54), the lobes (56, 58) extending circumferentially around the ring (54) and projecting in opposite directions from one another along an axis coaxial with the bore (40). Each lobe (56, 58) comprises a band having a first edge attached to the ring and a second oppositely disposed edge comprising a sealing surface facing the axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the seal comprises a liner (52) and a shroud made of a flexible, resilient material.