Dual-Anchor Inflatable Pipe Plug for High-Flow Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable plugs for pipelines lack sufficient stability and effectiveness in blocking high fluid flow rates, particularly when engaging the pipe at a single point, leading to potential leakage and inefficiencies in maintenance and repair operations.
Innovation Solution
A flow restriction system with an anchor that engages the pipe at two points, utilizing an inflatable plug secured by a head and foot through an inflation conduit, providing stability and sealing capabilities, and incorporating saddle members to distribute forces, allowing for higher flow rate blockage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable plug system is used to restrict fluid flow, then the ability to seal the pipeline is improved, but the stability and effectiveness in restricting high flow rates deteriorates due to limited engagement with the pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into two separate engagement points: a foot portion that engages the pipe wall at a first location and a head portion that engages the pipe wall at a second location. This segmentation provides distributed stability while maintaining reliable sealing through the inflatable plug positioned between these two anchor points.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable plug acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and the pipe wall, distributing the sealing force along the pipe circumference. This intermediary component enhances both sealing effectiveness and system stability by creating a barrier that works in conjunction with the dual-point anchor engagement.
2Device complexity
If the inflatable plug engages the pipe wall at a single point, then the device complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness in restricting high flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure is segmented into distinct foot and head portions positioned at different locations along the pipe. This segmentation increases flow restriction effectiveness by distributing engagement forces, while the overall anchor remains a single integrated component that does not significantly increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor engages the pipe wall in two different spatial dimensions or locations along the pipe length, rather than at a single point. This dimensional approach enhances flow restriction capability by creating a more distributed engagement pattern without requiring complex multi-component structures.
3Ease of operation
If the anchor head is secured completely outside the pipe, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the system deteriorates due to reduced engagement with the pipe wall
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor head possesses local quality characteristics that enable it to function effectively at the pipe opening: it provides sufficient external engagement for installation and operation while its internal geometry is optimized to engage the pipe wall at a second location. This localized design achieves both ease of operation and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor head serves multiple functions: it engages the pipe wall at a second location to provide stability, serves as an external attachment point for the inflatable plug, and provides a structure that can be secured partially outside the pipe for ease of operation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between operational ease and system stability.
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
Enhances the ability to block higher fluid flow rates by ensuring stable engagement at two points within the pipe, reducing leakage risks and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
inflating an inflatable plug couple to the anchor
Implementation Method 2
pressing a portion of the inflatable plug against an inner surface of the wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method of restricting fluid flow through a pipe. The method comprising installing an anchor through an opening in a wall of the pipe, engaging a portion of the wall with a foot of an anchor, securing a head of the anchor to the pipe, placing a saddle between a bottom surface of the head and an outer surface of the wall of the pipe, and inflating an inflatable plug coupled to the anchor. When securing the head of the anchor to the pipe, the head remains partially outside the pipe.