Arcuate Pipe Patch for Elbow Leak Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of effective, easy-to-install, and inexpensive solutions for repairing leaks in angled pipe sections, such as 45 and 90-degree elbows, which experience significant wear and are prone to leaks, leading to potential environmental and safety hazards due to the release of fluids.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising arcuate reinforcement members and sealing members that can be easily installed by a single person, with adjustable latch mechanisms and fasteners, to encircle and compress against the exterior and interior surfaces of the pipe fittings, providing a leak-tight seal without the need for specialized equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pipe patches are used on straight sections of pipe, then leaks can be stopped effectively, but they cannot be applied to angled pipe sections such as elbows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to angled pipe sectionsVSAvoidleak containment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe patch is designed with arcuate reinforcement members that have a curvature matching the radius of the pipe elbow, allowing the patch to conform to the curved surface of angled pipe sections. This curved geometry enables effective application to elbows while maintaining structural integrity and leak containment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the entire pipeline is replaced to repair failed sections, then reliability is improved, but cost and downtime increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline integrityVSAvoidpipeline downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing the entire pipeline, the invention applies a localized pipe patch to only the failed or leaking section. This segmented approach isolates the repair to the specific problem area, maintaining pipeline integrity while minimizing downtime and cost by leaving the rest of the functional pipeline in service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If hot-tapping procedures are used to repair leaks, then leaks can be contained without complete shutdown, but the procedure requires specialized equipment and multiple personnel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe patch is designed to be self-installing without requiring hot-tapping equipment or specialized machinery. The compression mechanism and sealing components are configured to be applied and secured using basic hand tools, enabling field personnel to perform the repair without complex equipment while maintaining continuous pipeline operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If welds are used to repair pipe sections, then structural strength is improved, but the repair process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepair joint strengthVSAvoidwelding apparatus requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the welding process with a mechanical compression system. The arcuate reinforcement members and compression bands apply mechanical force to secure the sealing member against the pipe surface, achieving a strong repair joint without requiring welding equipment, heat, or specialized welding skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Ease of manufacture

If pipe patches are designed for straight sections only, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to various pipe configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatch manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different elbow radii

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe patch is manufactured with adjustable parameters, specifically the arcuate reinforcement members that can be configured to match different elbow radii and angles. This allows the same basic patch design to be adapted to various pipe configurations including different elbow radii, while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables rapid and reliable containment of leaks in angled pipe sections, preventing fluid release and minimizing downtime, while being adaptable to various pipe sizes and reducing the risk of corrosion and environmental damage.

Implementation Method 1

The arcuate reinforcement member is compressed against the exterior surface of the pipe fitting to compress a sealing member against the pipe wall to stop the leak

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9273814B1Apparatus for patching non-linear pipe sections and method of utilizing the same

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 INNOVATIVE MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A repair apparatus and method is utilized for repairing leaks, ruptures or weaknesses in ell pipe fittings. An arcuate reinforcement structure conforms to the radius of curvature of the convex side of the fitting and a second arcuate reinforcement structure conforms to the curvature of the concave side of the fitting. One or both of the reinforcement structures urges a sealing member against the fitting, with at least one of the sealing members sealing over the leak, rupture, or weakness. The reinforcement structures may have integral bands which may attach to encircle the fitting.