Externally Engaging Test Barrier for Plumbing Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatic test barriers are unable to effectively engage and seal the external surfaces of plumbing components with inconsistent inner diameters, such as cast iron pipes, during hydrostatic pressure tests, as they are designed for inner sealing and not suited for external surface engagement.
Innovation Solution
An externally engaging test barrier with a barrier body featuring a peripheral lip and a removable portion connected by a frangible connection, which is secured by a resilient coupling sleeve that overlies the barrier body to form a seal with the plumbing components under hydrostatic pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an internally sealing test barrier is used, then it can effectively seal the plumbing system during hydrostatic tests, but it cannot be used with plumbing components that have inconsistent inner diameters such as cast iron pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional sealing approach by moving the sealing function from the internal surface to the external surface of the plumbing component. The peripheral lip engages the external surface of the pipe or fitting, allowing the test barrier to work with components regardless of their inner diameter variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional internal sealing to two-dimensional external surface engagement. The peripheral lip extends perpendicular to the end face and engages the external cylindrical surface, adding a dimensional aspect that accommodates varying inner diameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a peripheral lip is added to engage the external surface, then adaptability to various plumbing components is improved, but the barrier body becomes incapable of sealing unless combined with an additional coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test barrier into two functional segments: the barrier body with peripheral lip for engagement and positioning, and the separate coupling for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling acts as an intermediary component that bridges the barrier body and the plumbing system. It provides the sealing function that the barrier body alone cannot achieve, while the barrier body provides the engagement function that secures the assembly in position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the peripheral engagement is designed to engage the external surface, then it can accommodate plumbing components with varying diameters, but the engagement itself cannot provide sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different local qualities to different parts of the assembly: the peripheral lip is designed for mechanical engagement with the external surface to provide positioning and adaptability, while the coupling is designed with sealing properties to provide the sealing function. Each component has its optimized local quality for its specific purpose.
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 allows for effective sealing and pressure resistance during hydrostatic tests on plumbing systems with varying diameters, ensuring reliable testing without obstructing fluid flow once the test is completed.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient coupling sleeve secures and seals the peripheral lip against the one of the two abutting plumbing components under a predetermined hydrostatic pressure of a hydrostatic pressure test
Data Source
AI summary
An externally engaging test barrier for use in testing hydrostatic pressure in a plumbing system having two abutting plumbing components. The test barrier includes a barrier body having a first face, a second face, and at least one peripheral engagement for engaging an external surface of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components to hold the barrier body in position across an end of at least one of the two abutting plumbing components. The peripheral engagement extends perpendicularly from the first face or the second face. A removable portion of the barrier body is defined by a frangible connection. The peripheral engagement of the barrier body is incapable of sealing the plumbing system during a hydrostatic pressure test, unless used in combination with a pipe coupling that forms an overlying sealing sleeve.