Flexible Pipe Cap with Segmented Grip for Secure Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Open-ended pipe caps are difficult to install and remove, often fall off during transportation and handling, and cause thread damage due to excessive interference, especially on smaller diameter pipes which lack sufficient space for a finger grip, and do not provide adequate impact resistance or expansion under weather extremes.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tubular end cap with an inwardly-extending radial rim and a detachable finger grip member connected to a tear strip, allowing easy insertion and removal, and featuring fit beads for secure attachment and impact resistance, while accommodating expansion due to weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cap is intentionally undersized to provide higher interference fit, then the cap stays on the pipe better, but the cap becomes very difficult to remove and may damage threads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap retention on pipeVSAvoidcap removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cap is segmented into a main body and a separate finger grip member connected by a tear strip. The finger grip member can be pulled off through the gap to provide removal leverage, while the main body remains on the pipe. This segmentation allows the cap to stay securely on the pipe during normal use but enables easy removal when needed by pulling the detached grip member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The finger grip member acts as an intermediary tool that provides leverage for removal. By pulling the grip member through the gap in the radial rim, users gain mechanical advantage to remove the cap without damaging threads, even when the cap has high interference fit for secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the pipe diameter is reduced, then the cap size is reduced, but the space available for finger grip engagement inside the cap is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap sizeVSAvoidfinger grip space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing finger grip space within the limited internal diameter of small pipes, the invention extends the finger grip member outward through the gap in the radial rim. This moves the grip interface to an external dimension, allowing finger engagement without being constrained by the internal diameter of the pipe or cap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The finger grip member is formed as a separate, replicated component that can be pulled through the gap. This copied grip structure provides adequate finger engagement surface area even on small diameter caps, independent of the cap's internal dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the cap has uniform wall thickness, then the manufacturing is simple, but the cap is difficult to install and may fall off during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecap manufacturingVSAvoidcap retention during handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cap transitions from uniform wall thickness to variable wall thickness, with thicker sections at the radial rim and finger grip member to provide structural strength and interference fit, and thinner sections in the tubular body to maintain flexibility and ease of manufacture. This local variation in wall thickness optimizes both retention reliability and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Strength

If the cap is rigid to provide impact resistance, then the cap protects the pipe end, but the cap cannot accommodate expansion due to weather extremes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidexpansion under weather extremes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cap employs a flexible polymer material that provides sufficient impact resistance while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction due to weather extremes. The flexibility of the material allows the cap to adapt to temperature changes without cracking or deforming, while still providing protective strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cap is made from a composite or blended polymer material that combines the properties of rigidity for impact resistance with flexibility for weather adaptability. This composite material structure allows the cap to withstand both mechanical impacts and environmental expansion/contraction cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9068682B2Open ended industrial pipe cap for smaller diameter pipes

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 PROTECTIVE IND INC

AI summary

An open ended cap for an industrial pipe is provided, comprising a flexible tubular body having first and second open ends, the first end having an inwardly-extending radial rim serving as an abutment surface for a pipe when inserted into the end cap, the rim extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body of the end cap, and a detachable finger grip member, with the finger grip member being connected to a tear strip extending downwardly along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, the rim having a gap within at least a portion thereof across which the finger grip member extends, and the finger grip member including a gripping portion extending into the interior of the open first end and adjacent to a portion of the rim.