Electrofusion Pipe Repair Fitting with Sealed Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas line repair systems require disconnecting the pipe from the gas source for permanent repairs, causing disruptions to customers and taking time to complete.
Innovation Solution
A fitting system comprising two housings with electrofusion coils and seals that can be clamped over a leaking pipe, allowing for a permanent seal to be formed without disconnecting the pipe, using the electrofusion process to fuse the housings and pipe together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent repair is performed by splicing the pipe and installing a new section, then the leak is permanently stopped, but the gas supply must be shut off causing disruption to customers and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into two separate housings (first housing and second housing) that can be independently positioned on either side of the leak, allowing the repair to be performed in segments without requiring complete system shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The electrofusion fitting acts as an intermediary device that bridges the leaking pipe section, encapsulating the leak and providing a permanent seal while maintaining continuous gas flow through the fitting
2Loss of time
If a temporary repair is performed using sealant and clamp, then the leak is stopped temporarily, but the repair is not permanent and requires future intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The electrofusion process changes the physical state of the polymer materials by heating them to melting temperature, then cooling to fuse, transforming the temporary seal into a permanent structural bond between the fitting and pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting combines different materials (polymer housings, electrofusion coils, seals) that work together to provide both immediate sealing capability and long-term permanent bonding through the electrofusion process
3Ease of manufacture
If the pipe is disconnected for repair, then the repair can be performed, but continuous gas delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrofusion fitting encapsulates the leaking pipe section within its two housings, nesting the repair mechanism around the existing pipe without requiring disconnection, similar to a nested doll structure where one object is contained within another
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 a permanent repair of leaking plastic gas pipes without shutting off the gas supply, reducing disruption to customers and allowing for a continuous gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A first coil is configured to conduct electrical current disposed within first housing
Implementation Method 2
The first housing is fused to the second housing and the pipe by applying electric current to the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for repairing a leaking polymer pipe is provided. The fitting includes a first housing and a second housing that are sized to fit about the pipe. The first housing includes a first coil configured to increase in temperature in response to the application of an electrical current to fuse the first housing to the second housing and the pipe. The second housing includes a second coil on a first end and a third coil on an opposing end. The second and third coils configured to increase in temperature in response to the application of electrical current to fuse the second housing to the pipe. The fitting further includes a first seal coupled to the first housing and a second seal coupled to the second housing. The first and second seal forming a seal that prevents gas pressure from the pipe from interrupting the fusion process.