Double Wedge Liner Locking Mechanism for Safer Pipe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attachment methods for liners in fluid transport systems are cumbersome, requiring heavy equipment and posing safety risks due to their inflexibility and weight, leading to inefficient and potentially hazardous installation processes, especially in industries like oil field services where improper connections can result in equipment shutdowns and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A double wedge mechanism with an interface collar and split collars that use fasteners to secure the liner in place, allowing for axial and radial movement during assembly, enabling secure attachment with simple hand tools and reducing the need for heavy machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw assembly attachment methods are used, then attachment to liner is achieved, but device weight increases and worker safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple components: a body portion with opposing sides, a first wedge on one side, and a second wedge on the other side. Each wedge can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing the system to achieve reliable attachment without requiring a single heavy monolithic structure. This segmentation enables lighter individual components that collectively provide the necessary attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are designed to be movable during installation, allowing adjustment to accommodate variations in liner positioning and geometry. The wedges can be positioned, adjusted, and then secured in place, providing dynamic adaptability during the attachment process. This dynamic capability ensures reliable attachment while using lighter, more flexible components rather than heavy rigid structures.
2Reliability
If conventional attachment methods are used, then connection is established, but installation flexibility is reduced and handling problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the attachment device into a body portion and separate wedge components, each element can be independently manipulated during installation. The wedges can be individually positioned and adjusted on either side of the body, providing greater installation flexibility and ease of operation compared to conventional monolithic attachment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wedge design allows installers to adjust the wedges to accommodate variations in liner positioning, geometry, and alignment. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies the installation process and reduces handling difficulties while maintaining reliable connection establishment.
3Strength
If heavy nuts and apparatus are used for attachment, then attachment strength is achieved, but worker injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment strength is distributed across multiple lighter wedge components rather than concentrated in a single heavy structure. Each wedge contributes to the overall attachment strength, allowing the system to achieve the necessary holding force while using lighter individual components that reduce worker injury risk during handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wedge design allows for progressive engagement and adjustment, enabling installers to achieve full attachment strength through controlled positioning rather than requiring heavy components. This dynamic approach distributes the mechanical load across the adjustment and securing processes, reducing peak handling forces and associated safety risks.
4Reliability
If robust lifting equipment is used, then connection establishment is possible, but field personnel flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented wedge design allows field personnel to manually position and adjust each wedge component during installation. This modularity provides greater flexibility in field conditions compared to robust lifting equipment, as the lightweight components can be easily manipulated by hand or with simple tools in various field environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the movable wedges enables field personnel to adapt the attachment device to various liner configurations and field conditions without requiring heavy lifting equipment. This versatility enhances field personnel flexibility while still achieving reliable connection establishment.
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 double wedge mechanism provides a safe, efficient, and flexible method for attaching liners to piping systems, reducing worker risk and enabling faster, more reliable connections that minimize equipment shutdowns and economic losses.
Implementation Method 1
The double wedge is drawn into its final position by bolts and the action of the drawing of the wedges together imparts an axial motion to the interface collar on the liner. Compressive forces are generated via a wedge geometry securing the liner in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A double wedge locking mechanism provides an attachment mechanism to a liner system for fluid distribution network.