Deformable Plug Engagement for Sewer Cleanout Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer cleanout plugs face challenges in determining the final height for installation, especially when an exterior collar is used, and in maintaining the inner diameter of the cleanout when an interior pipe threaded collar is employed.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring a deformable member with opposed pipe engagement ends, supported by a structure and actuated by an external mechanism that adjusts the engagement ends between a retracted release position and an extended engagement position, allowing secure engagement and release from the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exterior collar is used to close the cleanout pipe, then the plug can be securely installed, but the final height must be determined prior to cement floor installation, reducing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The plug incorporates a deformable member that can dynamically adjust its shape between a compressed storage configuration and an expanded engagement configuration. This dynamic transformation allows the plug to adapt to different installation scenarios - it can be stored in a compact form for flexible installation timing, then expanded during installation to provide secure engagement with the pipe, resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and secure installation.
2Reliability
If an interior pipe threaded collar is used to close the cleanout, then the plug can be securely attached, but the inner diameter of the cleanout is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into a plug body and a separate deformable engagement member. The deformable member contains the engagement features (such as threads or gripping surfaces) that provide secure attachment to the pipe, while the main plug body remains smooth and does not reduce the cleanout's inner diameter. This segmentation allows the engagement function to be isolated to a specific component, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and maintaining inner diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable engagement member is nested within or integrated with the plug body in a compact configuration during storage and installation. When activated, the engagement member expands outward from the plug body to engage with the pipe interior. This nesting arrangement ensures that when the plug is installed, the engagement features are contained within the plug's overall footprint, preventing reduction of the cleanout's effective inner diameter while still providing secure attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable member with opposed engagement ends is used, then the plug can engage various pipe configurations and materials, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is constructed from a flexible or elastomeric material that can deform and conform to different pipe surfaces, configurations, and materials. This flexibility allows a single simple component design to adapt to various pipe types without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms or multiple specialized components, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device 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
Enables secure sealing and easy installation/removal of the plug without reducing the inner diameter of the cleanout, accommodating various pipe configurations and materials, including cement floors.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable member (18) having opposed pipe engagement ends (20, 22)
Data Source
AI summary
A plug has a plug body having an upper face and a lower face and a deformable member having opposed pipe engagement ends. A support structure is carried by the plug body and spaced from the lower face. The support structure supports the opposed pipe engagement ends of the deformable member. An actuator extends outward from the lower face of the plug body and is connected to the deformable member. The actuator adjusts the distance of a central portion of the deformable member from the lower face of the plug body to cause the engagement ends to move between a retracted release position and an extended engagement position. The actuator is actuated from the upper face of the plug body.