Expandable Pipe Stopper Assembly for Consistent Pipeline Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe stoppers require significant manual force to operate and often result in inconsistent sealing, leading to fluid leaks due to user error and difficulty in properly engaging with the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A pipe stopper assembly featuring an expandable stopper body and pressure assembly that can be configured between expanded and contracted states, utilizing a piston and valve stem to control fluid flow, and a locking mechanism to secure the stopper in place, allowing for easy operation and effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual pipe stopper is used to stop fluid flow, then the device structure is simple, but significant manual force is required and sealing consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic actuator that uses fluid pressure to automatically expand the stopper body against the pipeline wall. The hydraulic system converts fluid pressure into mechanical force, eliminating the need for significant manual force while maintaining simple overall device structure. The hydraulic actuator pushes the stopper body radially outward to create a tight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper body is designed with self-expanding capability through elastic materials or spring mechanisms that automatically expand the stopper upon insertion. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent sealing force without requiring external actuation or significant manual force, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If a manual pipe stopper is used to stop fluid flow, then the device structure is simple, but sealing consistency is poor leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator provides controlled and consistent radial expansion force on the stopper body, ensuring uniform contact pressure against the pipeline wall. This hydraulic actuation mechanism eliminates variability in sealing force that occurs with manual operation, achieving reliable and consistent sealing while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper body utilizes elastic materials or spring elements that change their physical parameters (expansion force, contact pressure) automatically based on the insertion depth and pipeline diameter. This parameter change mechanism ensures consistent sealing pressure across different operating conditions without complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of the stopper is used, then the device structure is simple, but user error occurs resulting in improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper incorporates automatic expansion mechanisms through elastic materials or spring-loaded components that self-adjust to the pipeline diameter upon insertion. This self-service feature eliminates user error by automatically ensuring proper sealing contact without requiring precise manual positioning or force application, while maintaining simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator automatically applies consistent expansion force to the stopper body when fluid pressure is applied, eliminating the need for manual operation. This automated hydraulic actuation ensures proper sealing every time without user error, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable stopping and starting of fluid flow through pipelines with reduced manual effort, ensuring a consistent seal and preventing leaks, thus improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure assembly comprising a pressure housing and a piston, the piston slidably engaged with a housing cavity of the pressure housing
Implementation Method 2
an expandable stopper body defining a stopper cavity and configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe stopper includes an expandable stopper body comprising a shell defining a stopper cavity and configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration; a pressure assembly received within the stopper cavity; and an actuation arm pivotably connected to the shell and pivotably connected to the pressure assembly, the actuation arm configured to move the expandable stopper body between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration.