Hinged Lid Assembly for Flanged Riser Quick Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems for pipes and conduits with flanged ends are cumbersome, requiring hand tools for access and often result in lost or damaged hardware, with difficulties in alignment and sealing due to the lack of a stable hinge mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hinged lid assembly with a two-part clamp and backup ring system, featuring a lid with an annular groove and o-ring for sealing, and swing bolts for easy access without tools, allowing for 2-dimensional adjustment and secure sealing without breaking the seal, designed for quick access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional blind plate with multiple bolts and nuts is used to seal the pipe end, then the sealing is secure, but the access time is lengthy and hardware is frequently lost
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is divided into two semi-circular sections that can be separated and repositioned, allowing the lid to be accessed without removing all bolts and nuts. This segmentation enables partial disassembly for quick access while maintaining secure sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup ring sections are made movable relative to each other through the hinge connection, transforming the static blind plate into a dynamic structure that can be partially opened. This allows workers to access the pipe interior without completely disassembling the sealing system.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed hinge connection is used between the backup ring and lid, then the alignment is precise, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection is segmented into two independent semi-circular backup ring sections rather than a single complex hinge. This simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining alignment capability through the distributed hinge points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection allows dynamic movement of the backup ring sections relative to each other and the lid, enabling self-alignment during assembly and operation. This dynamic capability reduces the need for complex fixed alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts and nuts are used to secure the blind plate, then the sealing is secure, but the hardware is frequently lost or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The backup ring is segmented into two sections connected by hinges, allowing the structure to remain partially attached to the pipe even when the lid is removed. This prevents complete hardware loss and enables easier reassembly by maintaining the backup ring's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection merges the backup ring sections with the lid assembly, creating an integrated system where components remain associated during removal and installation. This reduces the likelihood of hardware being lost separately.
4Device complexity
If a two-part semi-circular clamp is used without a fixed hinge, then the assembly is simpler, but the alignment of holes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection introduces controlled dynamic movement between the backup ring sections, enabling them to self-align with the lid holes during assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies the alignment process without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-access hinged lid assembly for flanged riser, having two-part clamp, having an inner face shaped to conform to the surface flanged riser, first clamp ring and second clamp ring are connected by a clamp hinge, a lid having an exterior surface and an interior sealing surface to abut the flanged riser exterior surface, wherein the interior sealing surface includes annular groove, gasket or o-ring positioned therein groove to seal flanged riser exterior surface and interior sealing surface, a lid hinge configured between clamp and lid, lid hinge having a swing bolt slot and pin bolt to provide adjustment of the lid to enable the lid to mate flat with flanged riser, swing bolts positioned on the perimeter and pivotable from the clamp ring with hand operable fasteners to press gasket between interior sealing surface of the lid and flanged riser exterior surface in a closed position.