Conduit Blocking Device with Integrated Bolt Head and Fluid Passage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conduit blocking devices face challenges such as accidental disassembly of components, difficulty in winter operations due to water retention and freezing, and cumbersome removal processes, which compromise worker safety and efficiency in maintaining underground water systems.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece device with top and bottom compression plates, a compressible member, and a bolt-nut mechanism that prevents accidental disassembly and allows fluid passage, featuring a design where the nut is secured by a padlock and the head of the bolt extends beyond the threaded shaft to prevent complete removal, ensuring the device remains intact and functional.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional conduit blocking device with multiple components is used, then the device can block access to the conduit, but the components may accidentally disassemble or fall into the conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental valve operationVSAvoidintegrity of device components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (bottom plate, compressible member, top plate, bolt, and nut) into a single integrated one-piece structure. This eliminates the risk of components accidentally disassembling or falling into the conduit, as there are no separate parts that can detach from each other during operation or winter conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While the overall structure is integrated, the device incorporates functional segments including a compressible member that can expand and contract, and a fluid passage that allows water flow. This segmentation of functions within a unified structure maintains reliability while enabling specific operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the device retains water in winter conditions, then the device maintains its blocking function, but water freezing causes operational difficulties and potential device failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking functionVSAvoidfreezing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful element (water retention) from the device design by incorporating a fluid passage that allows water to flow through the device. This eliminates water accumulation that would otherwise freeze and cause operational difficulties or device failure during winter conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the bottom plate is designed to fit tightly in the conduit, then the blocking function is effective, but removal becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoidremoval process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic compression mechanism where the compressible member can be compressed during installation to fit through the conduit, then expands to provide a tight blocking fit. For removal, the compression is released, allowing the device to be extracted without requiring cumbersome force or damage to the conduit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the bolt and nut are designed for easy assembly, then installation is simplified, but accidental disassembly may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidprevention of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the bolt and nut into the one-piece structure, the device eliminates the need for separate assembly of these fastening components. The integrated design maintains secure connection while preventing accidental disassembly, as the fastening elements become part of the permanent structure rather than detachable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device effectively prevents accidental or malicious operation of underground water valves, remains operational in winter conditions by allowing water passage, and simplifies removal processes by preventing the bottom plate from falling, thus enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a tool 46 to rotate the nut 38 causes a pressure to be applied between the top plate 38 and the bottom plate, whereby a height 48 of the ring 34 is reduced while a width 50 of the ring 34 expands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPoisson's Effect: Poisson's Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10330235B2Device for preventing access to a conduit

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 LEMAY PIERRE

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device for preventing access to a conduit. The device comprises top and bottom compression plates and a compressible member between the compression plates. A bolt has a first end mounted to the bottom compression plate and a shaft passing through openings of the compressible member and of the top compression plate. The bolt has a head proximate its second end. The head of the bolt extends beyond a major diameter of the threaded shaft. At least a portion of the shaft is a threaded shaft. The head of the bolt prevents a nut mounted on the threaded shaft between the head and the top compression plate from being dismounted from the device. A fluid passage may extend in the compressible member between the top and bottom compression plates to allow a fluid to bypass the device.