Adjustable Clamp for Pipe Repair with Threaded Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair methods are inadequate for efficiently and safely repairing damaged pipeline sections, particularly in hostile environments, as they often rely on dangerous chain mechanisms and struggle to achieve a precise fit between repair members and the pipe surface.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable clamp apparatus with curved clamping sections and pivotable jaws, utilizing couplers with threaded rods for adjustable distance and locking mechanisms, allows for customizable force application and precise alignment of repair members against the pipe, eliminating the need for chains and enabling secure welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chain mechanisms are used for pipe repair, then the repair can be performed in hostile environments, but the operation becomes dangerous and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dangerous chain mechanism from the repair system and replaces it with a clamp-based compression system. The chains are extracted from the functional requirements, and their role is taken over by clamps that apply controlled compression forces through threaded rods and pivotable jaws, eliminating the safety hazards while maintaining repair capability in hostile environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chain-based mechanical system with a clamp-based mechanical system. Instead of using chains to hold or compress repair members, the invention employs clamps with threaded rods, nuts, and pivotable jaws that provide controlled mechanical compression. This substitution maintains the mechanical function while eliminating the dangerous characteristics of chain mechanisms.
2Strength
If rigid clamps are used to compress repair members, then secure compression is achieved, but the ability to adapt to different pipe sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements in the clamp design, including pivotable jaws that can adjust their angle and position, and threaded rods that allow for variable compression distances. These dynamic features enable the rigid clamp structure to adapt to different pipe diameters, shapes, and repair member configurations while maintaining strong compression forces through the threaded fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates universal features that allow it to function with various pipe sizes and repair member types. The pivotable jaws can accommodate different angles, the threaded rods can be adjusted to different lengths, and the overall clamp structure can be configured for different compression requirements, making a single clamp design versatile for multiple pipe repair scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable couplers with threaded rods are used, then precise alignment and customizable force application are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clamp into segmented components: separate jaws, threaded rods, nuts, and pivot points. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned, enabling precise alignment through the threaded rod mechanisms while keeping individual components relatively simple in design. The complexity is distributed across multiple simple parts rather than concentrated in a single complex structure.
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 safe and effective method for repairing damaged pipelines by ensuring a tight, precise fit between repair members and the pipe, facilitating reliable welding and avoiding the hazards associated with chain-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
couplers having threaded rods. The distance between pivot points can be adjusted via couplers having threaded rods
Implementation Method 2
specially configured clamps compress repair members against the pipe outer surface
Implementation Method 3
The curved arms can be locked together with a rod placed in a slot, and then squeezed by rotation of threaded rod
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an adjustable clamp apparatus having curved arms which pivot/articulate relative to each other. The distance between pivot points can be adjusted via specially configured couplers having nuts and threaded rods. The curved arms can be locked together with a rod placed in a slot, and then squeezed by rotation of threaded rod. In the interior of the curved arms there can be a plurality of projections or contact points. A strap can be connected to a selected adjustable clamp (e.g., by a pair of padeyes) and used to raise and lower the clamp. When being lowered onto a pipe to be repaired, the curved arms can be open wide and when their upper portions make contact with the pipe to be repaired, this contact will tend to cause arms to close around the pipe relative to each other. Once clamped against the pipe with the clamps, the repair members can be welded together.