Leveling Flexible Pipe Sheath Edges for Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sealing flexible tubular pipes are inefficient and costly due to mediocre dimensional tolerances in the manufacturing process, leading to inconsistent thicknesses and poor reproducibility in securing end fittings, which can result in inadequate sealing, especially in underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ring with a protruding end as a support to level off the external circular edge of the sheath uniformly, using a cutting tool driven in rotation and translation to achieve a constant thickness, ensuring proper compression and sealing between the ring and the end fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If extrusion manufacturing is used for sheath production, then production efficiency is improved, but dimensional precision deteriorates due to mediocre tolerances and inconsistent thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing leveling off of the sheath external edge before the crimping operation. A cutting tool levels the external edge of the sheath to create a substantially constant thickness zone, ensuring that the sheath thickness is uniform in the area that will be compressed during crimping. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-manufacturing adjustments and ensures consistent sealing quality despite variations in extrusion tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual measurement and leveling off is performed repeatedly, then sheath thickness uniformity is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of repeated measurement and leveling with an automated mechanical leveling system. A cutting tool mounted on a positioning device automatically levels the external edge of the sheath based on predetermined parameters, eliminating the need for operator intervention and repeated manual adjustments. This substitution dramatically reduces time consumption while maintaining consistent thickness uniformity.
3Reliability
If excessive sheath thickness variation is present, then sealing quality deteriorates, but rework and inspection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary leveling off of the sheath external edge to ensure uniform thickness before the crimping operation. By preparing the sheath in advance with a substantially constant thickness in the crimping zone, the process prevents sealing quality deterioration and eliminates the need for post-crimping rework or additional inspection requirements.
4Ease of operation
If hand tools like files or sanders are used for leveling, then portability is improved, but reproducibility and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces portable hand tools with a fixed automated leveling system that uses a cutting tool on a positioning device. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by manual operation while maintaining the ability to level sheaths consistently. The automated system provides reproducible results regardless of operator skill or fatigue.
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
This method ensures a consistent and uniform thickness of the sheath, enhancing the sealing quality and reliability of the connection, reducing the need for repeated measurements and manual adjustments, and improving the overall efficiency of the sealing process.
Implementation Method 1
The external edge of the end of the sheath is then leveled off with the aid of a hand tool of the file or sander type
Implementation Method 2
The end fitting then covers the end of the pipe and annular wedging elements are then pressed against the external face of the end of the sheath opposite the cannula, and then these annular wedging elements are driven and held by force between the body of the end fitting and the cannula, compressing the thickness of the sheath in order to ensure sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting an endpiece for securing a tubular pipe and apparatus for implementing same. The method includes the steps of: a) providing an endpiece and a ring (36′) having an outer rotationally symmetrical cylindrical surface (40′), and a sheath having a sheath end (32) and an outer circular edge (46′); b) inserting the ring (36′) into the sheath end (32); c) leveling off the outer circular edge (46′); and d) covering the leveled edge with the endpiece. In step b) the ring (36, 36′, 36″) is inserted leaving one of the ends (44′) thereof extending out of the sheath end (32), and in step c) the outer circular edge (46′) is leveled off, by engaging the one of the two ring ends (44′).