Flanged Pipe Overlay Guides for Even Fastener Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and error-prone process of distributing fastener force during the connection of flanged pipes, especially in outdoor and challenging conditions, leads to inefficient and inconsistent pipe connections.
Innovation Solution
The use of visual guides, such as overlays, elongated strips, and sheets with indicators, to provide a sequence and torque specification for fastener tightening, ensuring even distribution of fastener force around the flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a complex tightening procedure with multiple torque specifications and predetermined sequences is used, then even distribution of fastener force is achieved, but the procedure becomes difficult to follow, tedious, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the flange with indicator lines and numbers showing the correct tightening sequence and torque levels before the technician begins work. This eliminates the need for technicians to consult guide books or remember complex procedures, as all information is already prepared and displayed on the component itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual marking system that mediates between the complex tightening requirements and the technician's ability to execute them. The indicator lines and numbers serve as a visual intermediary that translates complex procedural requirements into simple, intuitive visual cues that guide the technician through each step.
2Measurement precision
If technicians consult guide books to follow tightening procedures, then accurate torque specifications can be obtained, but the process becomes tedious and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by transferring the essential information from external guide books directly onto the flange surface through permanent or semi-permanent markings. The indicator lines and numbers are a simplified copy of the complete tightening procedure, containing only the critical information needed at each step, making it immediately accessible without leaving the work site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the procedural information from a two-dimensional book page to a three-dimensional surface directly on the flange component. This spatial repositioning allows the technician to access the information in the context of the actual work, eliminating the need to flip through pages or search for relevant sections.
3Productivity
If multiple fasteners are tightened simultaneously, then connection speed increases, but uneven force distribution causes leakage or unintended separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tightening process into distinct sequential steps, with each step involving only one or a few fasteners. The indicator numbers on the flange create natural segments of the tightening sequence, ensuring that force is distributed gradually and evenly across all fasteners rather than applying full load simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through multi-pass tightening sequences where fasteners are tightened in repeated cycles. The indicator system guides technicians through multiple passes, with each pass tightening additional fasteners or increasing torque on previously tightened fasteners, creating a rhythmic, periodic tightening pattern that ensures even force distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A visual guide and related methods to enhance distribution of fastener force for connections associated with flanged pipes may include an overlay. The overlay may be configured to be connected to an outward facing surface of a first flanged pipe, and the overlay may include indicators spaced from one another. The indicators may include sequence markers indicative of (a) circumferential fastener locations corresponding to fasteners for securing a first flange of the first flanged pipe to a second flange of a second flanged pipe or a pipe blank, and (b) a tightening sequence indicative of an order for tightening the fasteners. The indicators may be positioned to provide a guide for the tightening sequence, thereby to enhance the distribution of fastener force around the first flange for the fasteners securing the first flanged pipe to the second flanged pipe or the pipe blank.