Hydrostatic Testing Tool Collet Segments for Rapid Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrostatic testing methods for containers with threaded apertures are time-consuming and unreliable, particularly when using rotating tools or expandable rubber plugs, which can lead to safety issues during high-pressure testing.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic testing tool with a collet body comprising radially expandable segments that threadably engage the container's aperture, providing a reliable seal without the need for rotation, using an actuator unit and a sliding piston to expand the collet segments and secure the tool to the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded end of the testing tool is rotated into the threaded aperture of the article, then a tight seal is produced, but the process is extremely time consuming and limits the rate of test production
Solution Approach 1:
The collet body is designed with radially expandable segments that can dynamically change from a compressed state (for quick insertion) to an expanded state (for secure engagement). This dynamic transformation allows the tool to achieve both quick connection and reliable sealing without the time-consuming rotation process
Solution Approach 2:
The collet body is divided into multiple radially expandable segments that can independently engage with the threaded aperture. This segmentation allows the segments to flex and conform to the aperture geometry, creating a reliable seal through radial expansion rather than rotational threading
2Ease of operation
If an expandable rubber plug is inserted into the threaded aperture and mechanically expanded, then the aperture is sealed, but the seal between the test article and testing tool is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The collet body segments undergo a parameter change from a compressed radial dimension to an expanded radial dimension. This controlled dimensional change allows the segments to firmly engage the threaded aperture with precise geometric contact, providing superior seal reliability compared to rubber plugs that deform unpredictably
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the elastic deformation mechanism of rubber plugs with a rigid mechanical expansion system. The radially expandable collet segments use controlled mechanical force to achieve precise, repeatable engagement with the aperture, eliminating the reliability issues associated with rubber plug deformation
3Productivity
If the testing tool is quickly secured to the threaded aperture without rotation, then the test production rate is improved, but the tool may become dislodged during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The collet body provides dynamic retention through its radially expandable segments that maintain constant engagement pressure on the threaded aperture. This dynamic mechanical interlock prevents dislodgment during high-pressure testing while allowing for quick insertion and removal cycles, thereby improving both productivity and reliability
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 tool enables faster, safer, and more reliable high-pressure testing by securely engaging the container without dislodgment, reducing the risk of accidents and improving testing efficiency compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator unit selectively varies the diameter of the outer perimeter causing the collet segments to expand radially outward to engage a threaded aperture of a test article
Implementation Method 2
A sliding piston positioned within the channel moves forward and rearward to expand the collet segments radially outward to engage the threaded aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrostatic testing tool for testing containers, hoses or the like under high pressures. The testing tool having a coupling that threadably engages a threaded aperture of a test container without having to be rotated into the threaded aperture. The hydrostatic testing tool may be hooked up to a source of pressurized medium and the tool includes a container-engaging head having a plurality of collet segments that each have a threaded surface that can expand radially outward, partially due to the force of the pressurized medium, to engage a threaded aperture of the test container, allowing for the formation of a liquid and/or gas tight seal under high pressures. The testing tool further includes an actuating unit connected to the head that controls the movement of the collet segments with a piston or the like.