Inline Obturator Clamping System with Replaceable Helical Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inline shutters for large-diameter pipes require complex and time-consuming maintenance due to the need to dismantle the entire system when springs break, as U-shaped or helical springs are integral to the clamping/spreading system.
Innovation Solution
A clamping/spreading system with elastically deformable assemblies, each comprising a helical spring and guide shaft, where the assemblies are independently replaceable without disassembling the inline plug, featuring symmetrically arranged push rings and a sealing sleeve for uniform thrust and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If U-shaped or helical springs are used in the clamping/spreading system, then the system can provide the necessary elastic force for clamping, but the maintenance becomes complex and time-consuming requiring complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The push rings are divided into multiple independently replaceable sections (first push ring with first sections, second push ring with second sections). This segmentation allows individual spring replacement without disassembling the entire clamping system, as each spring and its associated push ring sections can be accessed and replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are extracted as separate, independently replaceable components from the clamping system. Each spring can be removed and replaced without affecting other springs or requiring disassembly of the half-bodies, significantly simplifying maintenance operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the inline plug is designed for large-diameter pipes, then it can handle larger fluid passages, but the mass and size increase making maintenance more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system is segmented into modular components (multiple springs, sectional push rings, guide shafts) that can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular design reduces maintenance difficulty despite the large overall size of the inline plug for large-diameter pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual springs and push ring sections can be extracted from the large-sized inline plug without removing the entire device from the pipe. This extraction capability makes maintenance of large-diameter pipe plugs as easy as small ones.
3Reliability
If multiple springs are used in the clamping system, then the clamping force is distributed and reliable, but replacing a single broken spring requires complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The push rings are segmented into multiple sections that can be independently removed. This allows maintenance personnel to access and replace a single broken spring and its associated push ring sections without disassembling the entire multi-spring clamping system, dramatically reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual springs and their associated push ring sections can be extracted independently from the clamping system. This extraction capability maintains the reliability benefits of multiple springs while eliminating the time loss associated with complete disassembly for single spring replacement.
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
Facilitates quick and simple maintenance by allowing individual replacement of worn or broken springs, maintaining optimal sealing and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable sealing sleeve extending between the first half-body and said at least one clamping piece
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of elastically deformable assemblies in compression arranged equally in azimuth around the direction of translation, each assembly comprising a helical spring
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an in-line seal (1) comprising: • a sealing plate (2) movable in a plane (P) between a sealing position stopping a fluid flow and a flow position allowing the fluid flow; • a body (5) comprising a first half-body (6) and a second half-body (7) arranged respectively on either side of the plane (P); and • a clamping/separating system (10) for clamping, and conversely, for separating at least one clamping piece (11) with respect to the sealing plate (2). According to the invention, the clamping/separating system (10) comprises a first thrust ring (13), a second thrust ring (14), at least one assembly (15) that is elastically deformable by compressing comprising a helical spring (16) and a guide shaft (17), the at least one assembly (15) being arranged between the first thrust ring (13) and the second thrust ring (14).