Insertion Guide Tube for Pipe Blockage Bag Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for blocking fluid flow in pipes without interrupting the flow face challenges such as damage to the blockage bag during insertion and inadequate sealing due to fluid pressure and surface irregularities, leading to incomplete closure of the flow passage.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a fluid pipe with a branch port, a sealing case, an insertion guide tube, a shaft with a blockage bag, and a push operation mechanism that allows the blockage bag to be inserted and expanded to close the flow passage while maintaining a sealed state, using an axis adjustment portion to prevent contact with pipe irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blockage bag is inserted directly into the internal flow passage via the branch port, then the insertion process is simple, but the blockage bag is likely to come into contact with burrs or projections on the inner surface, causing damage or difficulty in insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide tube as an intermediary component between the blockage bag and the branch port. The guide tube has a smooth inner surface that guides the blockage bag during insertion, preventing direct contact between the blockage bag and the burrs or projections on the branch port inner surface. This mediator protects the blockage bag from damage while facilitating smooth insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube is pre-installed in the branch port before the blockage bag insertion process begins. This preliminary action prepares a safe insertion path in advance, ensuring that when the blockage bag is inserted, it follows the pre-prepared smooth pathway and avoids contact with harmful surface irregularities.
2Productivity
If the blockage bag is inserted during uninterrupted flow state, then the flow continues without interruption, but the fluid pressure acts on the blockage bag making insertion more difficult and increasing the likelihood of contact with burrs or projections
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube serves as a protective intermediary that allows the blockage bag to be inserted even under fluid pressure. The smooth inner surface of the guide tube reduces friction and guides the blockage bag steadily, counteracting the destabilizing effect of fluid pressure and preventing contact with burrs or projections on the branch port.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube provides a cushioning effect by absorbing and distributing the stress between the blockage bag and the branch port environment. It protects the blockage bag from the combined effects of fluid pressure and surface irregularities, allowing insertion to proceed safely during uninterrupted flow.
3Productivity
If the blockage bag is pressed by fluid pressure to move downstream during insertion, then the flow passage remains open, but the blocking position shifts from the desired location, causing insufficient adhesion and inadequate closing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube acts as a positioning intermediary that constrains the blockage bag's movement path. By providing a fitted guide pathway, it prevents the blockage bag from being pushed downstream by fluid pressure, ensuring the blockage bag reaches and remains at the precise desired blocking position in the internal flow passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube changes the friction and contact parameters between the blockage bag and its environment. The smooth, fitted surface of the guide tube increases directional control and reduces random movement, allowing the blockage bag to be positioned accurately despite the opposing force of fluid pressure.
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 device facilitates the insertion and reliable closure of the flow passage without damaging the blockage bag, ensuring effective sealing even under fluid pressure, by using a sliding mechanism that maintains coaxial alignment and reduces deformation and adhesion changes.
Implementation Method 1
a blockage bag that is fixed to a leading end portion of the shaft... and that is deformed and elastically expanded so as to increase in diameter by a diameter-increasing fluid that is supplied via the through flow passage
Implementation Method 2
an axis adjustment portion that is fixed to the leading end portion of the shaft or a base end region of the blockage bag... and that can make sliding contact with an inner surface of the insertion guide tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for blocking a flow passage without interrupting flow is provided which facilitates insertion of and prevents damage to a blockage bag inserted into an internal flow passage and can reliably close the internal flow passage in an uninterrupted flow state. An insertion guide tube (22) that is inserted into a sealing case (20) and that houses a blockage bag (4) in a reduced-size state can be moved inside the sealing case (20) and inside a branch pipe portion (B) along an axis (Y) of the branch pipe portion (B) until the insertion guide tube (22) is brought into an abutting position in which at least a part of a leading end portion of the insertion guide tube (22) abuts against an outer surface-side peripheral edge portion (2a) of a branch port (2) on an outer circumferential surface (1a) of a fluid pipe (1). The blockage bag (4) inside the insertion guide tube (22) in the abutting position can be inserted into an internal flow passage (3) of the fluid pipe (1) from the inside of the insertion guide tube (22) via the branch port (2) along the axis (Y) of the branch pipe portion (B). In a state in which the blockage bag (4) is located at a predetermined internal flow passage blocking position, an axis adjustment portion (50) that can make sliding contact with an inner surface of the insertion guide tube (22) is located in a portion corresponding to branch port (2) in a radial direction of the fluid pipe (1).