Expandable Plug Sealing for Plumbing Leak Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing test plugs are inefficient in sealing and removing fluid from plumbing systems, as they either leak or require complex procedures to ensure proper sealing and disengagement during leak testing.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing fitting with an expandable plug and strainer system that allows for sealing and disengagement through a control line, enabling the plug to be easily installed, expanded to seal, and then contracted to allow fluid flow, with a strainer preventing the plug from passing through the outlet, facilitating efficient leak testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable test plug is used to seal the outlet pipe for leak testing, then the plumbing system can be tested for leaks, but the plug may leak or require complex procedures to ensure proper sealing and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The test plug transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic collapsed state through the control line mechanism. The plug is inflated to seal during testing, then deflated through the control line to collapse and facilitate easy removal, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and simple disengagement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The control line acts as an intermediary mechanism that remotely operates the test plug's inflation and deflation. This allows the plug to be reliably sealed during testing while enabling simple remote control for disengagement without complex manual procedures
2Ease of operation
If the test plug is removed after testing, then the system can be accessed again, but fluid may be lost during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The test plug dynamically changes from an expanded sealed state to a collapsed state through the control line. When collapsed, the plug contracts to a small size that passes through the strainer body, allowing easy removal through the cleanout opening without disrupting the fluid system and preventing fluid loss
Solution Approach 2:
The plug's physical parameters (volume, diameter) are changed by inflating and deflating it through the control line. This parameter transformation allows the plug to seal effectively during testing, then be easily removed through the strainer in a collapsed state without causing fluid loss
3Ease of operation
If the plug diameter is reduced for removal, then the plug can pass through the strainer, but the sealing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug dynamically adjusts its diameter between a large expanded state for reliable sealing during testing and a small collapsed state for easy removal through the strainer. The control line enables this dynamic size transformation, resolving the contradiction between sealing capability and removal ease
Solution Approach 2:
The plug's diameter parameter is transformed from large to small through inflation and deflation controlled by the control line. This parameter change allows the plug to maintain sealing capability when expanded while enabling easy passage through the strainer when collapsed
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 system effectively seals the plumbing system for testing, allowing for accurate detection of leaks and easy removal of the plug without fluid loss, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of plumbing system testing.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein in the expanded state the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal the fluid inlet of the fitting body or the drain line upstream of the fluid inlet
Implementation Method 2
the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug
Implementation Method 3
a strainer body that permits fluid flow therethrough and prevents the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing fitting for a drain line of a plumbing system has a fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cleanout port in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the fitting body. A releasable plug is positioned in the plumbing fitting upstream of a strainer body that prevents the releasable plug from passing through the fluid outlet in the released position. The releasable plug may be an expandable plug that is installed upstream of the strainer or may be a closure member that seals the strainer and is removed from the strainer to unseal the drain line. The releasable plug is actuated to a released state from outside the plumbing fitting.