Hinged Pipe Closure Means for Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for containing leaks in pressurized pipes are inadequate, as sealing putties can be displaced by high pressure and have limited shelf life, while repair bandages or fusion tapes are cumbersome and require space that may not be available, especially in confined areas.
Innovation Solution
A closure means comprising two housing members with cut-away portions and a hinge, allowing for a fluid-tight seal around a leaking or burst pipe, with a resiliently deformable seal and fastening mechanism that can be easily operated with one hand, even in restricted spaces, and includes a locking mechanism to prevent unintentional unfastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing putty is used to block the leaking area, then the leak can be contained, but under high pressure the putty may be displaced from the pipe and the integrity of the seal degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The closure means is divided into a first housing member and a second housing member that can be applied separately to the pipe and then joined together. This segmentation allows the seal to be applied in two stages, making it easier to position and secure under pressure without requiring the entire seal to be applied at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is applied to the pipe surface before the housing members are joined together. This preliminary application ensures the seal is properly positioned and adhered to the pipe before the closure means is fully assembled and subjected to pressure.
2Reliability
If repair bandage or fusion tape is wrapped around the pipe, then the leak can be contained, but the installation is cumbersome and requires space that may not be available in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The closure means is segmented into two housing members that can be applied to the pipe in separate steps. This allows the seal to be positioned first, then the housing members to be joined, simplifying the installation process in confined spaces where wrapping a complete bandage would be difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure means transitions from a linear wrapping approach to a three-dimensional clamping structure. The first and second housing members clamp onto the pipe from opposite sides, creating a secure seal without requiring the linear space needed for wrapping bandages or tapes.
3Reliability
If a housing is fitted over a section of pipe with protrusion or swelling, then the leak can be contained, but the housing must accommodate varying pipe diameters and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with local adaptability to conform to the specific shape and diameter of the pipe at the sealing location. The seal material can deform to accommodate protrusions or swelling, while the rigid housing members provide structural support and maintain the enclosed volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure means can accommodate variations in pipe diameter and shape through the flexible seal material that can change its parameters (shape, volume) to fit the pipe, while the housing members maintain a consistent enclosed volume to contain the leak.
4Reliability
If the closure means is designed to provide a fluid-tight seal under high pressure, then the leak containment is effective, but the fastening mechanism must provide sufficient force to resist the pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening force is distributed between the first housing member and the second housing member, each providing partial clamping force. This segmentation of the fastening function allows each housing member to contribute to the total force required to resist the internal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is applied to the pipe before the housing members are joined, ensuring that the sealing surface is properly prepared and positioned. This preliminary action allows the fastening mechanism to focus solely on providing the clamping force needed to resist pressure, without the additional complexity of simultaneous sealing and fastening.
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 closure means effectively contains leaks by forming a secure, fluid-tight seal around pipes with protrusions or corrosion, allowing for quick and easy application in various environments, including those with limited access, and maintains integrity over time without the need for extensive training or specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A closure means (10) for containing fluid leaking from a ruptured pipe (24). The closure means (10) fits over a ruptured pipe (24) to contain any fluid that may be leaking from the pipe (24). The closure means (10) forms an enclosed cavity around the rupture (78) in the pipe (24), the enclosed cavity being defined by a housing (12) of the pipe (24) and the pipe (24) itself. The closure means may comprise a single housing (12), or may comprise two housing (12, 14) members. Where a single housing (12) is used, the closure means may be applied as a patch to cover a rupture. In this embodiment, a fastening means (20) holds the housing (12) in sealed engagement with the pipe (24). Where two housing (12, 14) members are used, the closure means (20) may also comprise a hinged link (16) between the two housing members (12,14). In this embodiment, the fastening means (20) holds the two housing members (12, 14) together in sealed engagement around the pipe (24).