Watertight Conduit Coupling Assembly with Stop Seal Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit coupling assemblies fail to provide a watertight seal when securing two rigid conduits end-to-end, allowing fluids to seep in and potentially damage components, especially in wet locations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly comprising a coupling sleeve with a stop flange and compression nut, along with a stop seal ring, which is crimped onto the conduit and secured using a compression nut to prevent fluid entry, allowing conduits to be spliced without rotating them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional coupling assembly with nut and compression ring is used to secure conduits, then the assembly is simple and easy to install, but it is not watertight and allows fluid seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the coupling body with internal sealing surfaces, the separate seal ring that fits within the coupling, and the compression mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of installation
Solution Approach 2:
A seal ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the two conduit ends within the coupling assembly. This seal ring creates the watertight barrier without requiring complex threading or multi-component fastening systems, thus adding minimal complexity while achieving the desired sealing function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conduits are secured using a coupling with nut and compression ring, then installation is straightforward, but the assembly cannot prevent fluid ingress in wet locations
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible seal ring is employed within the rigid coupling assembly to create the fluid barrier. This thin film-like seal component conforms to the internal surfaces of the coupling and conduit ends, providing effective sealing against fluid ingress while maintaining the simplicity of the overall assembly installation
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is pre-positioned within the coupling body before conduit installation, and the coupling design incorporates pre-formed sealing surfaces. This preliminary preparation of sealing elements ensures watertight protection is achieved automatically during the standard installation process without requiring additional sealing steps
3Reliability
If a crimped coupling assembly with stop seal ring is used, then watertight sealing is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and mechanical connection function are merged into a single integrated coupling assembly. The crimping action simultaneously secures the coupling to the conduit and compresses the seal ring against the conduit end, achieving both mechanical strength and watertight sealing in one manufacturing step rather than requiring separate operations
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 secure, watertight connection between conduits, preventing fluid ingress and protecting internal components, while allowing for easy assembly without requiring conduit rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The stop seal ring 400 is squeezed between the stop flange 210 and the first conduit end 14
Implementation Method 2
the compression nut 300 rotated to further threadably engage the compression nut 300 with the sleeve second segment 230 until the second conduit 20 is tightly gripped
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for securing two conduits together includes a coupling sleeve, a compression nut, and a stop seal ring. The coupling sleeve includes an outwardly-protruding stop flange, and the stop seal ring fits over the coupling sleeve without sliding past the stop flange. The coupling sleeve enters an expanded end of a first conduit until the stop seal ring is squeezed by the stop flange and the conduit. The conduit sleeve is crimped with the first conduit, and the nut with a compression ring therein is screwed onto the conduit sleeve. A second conduit is inserted into the nut and the conduit sleeve, and tightening the nut compresses the compression ring to grip and secure the second conduit. With the stop seal ring squeezed between the stop flange and the first conduit, the coupling assembly protects against rain or other liquids from entering the conduits.