Lift Bushing With Shoulder And Fastener For Pipe Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe lifting systems lack an efficient mechanism for securely inserting and retaining a lift bushing through a flange hole, especially for heavy pipes like marine risers, which complicates the lifting and reconnection of pipes.
Innovation Solution
A lift bushing with a shoulder and fastening mechanism that engages with the flange hole, allowing secure insertion and retention, and a shackle assembly for connecting to a lifting device, enabling safe and efficient lifting and reconnection of pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lift bushing is inserted through a flange hole to facilitate pipe lifting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure retention is worsened without a fastening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lift bushing is segmented into functional zones: a shoulder portion for engagement with the flange hole, a cylindrical outer surface for fastening mechanism attachment, and an inner bore for shackle assembly connection. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring both ease of insertion and secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift bushing is pre-configured with a fastening mechanism (such as a fastener or threaded portion) that can be engaged with the flange hole before lifting operations begin. This preliminary fastening action ensures the bushing remains securely retained during the lifting process, preventing any movement or detachment.
2Reliability
If a fastening mechanism is added to retain the lift bushing in the flange hole, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is merged with the lift bushing structure itself, such that the bushing includes an integrated fastener or threaded portion that directly engages with the flange hole. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift bushing is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the lifting interface (through the inner bore for shackle assembly) and the fastening element (through its integrated fastener or threaded portion). This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable retention.
3Ease of operation
If the lift bushing is designed to be inserted through the flange hole, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fit and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The lift bushing features local quality variations: the shoulder portion has a specific diameter designed to engage with the flange hole, while the cylindrical outer surface has a different diameter for fastening mechanism attachment. This localized differentiation allows the bushing to fit precisely into the flange hole while maintaining ease of insertion through proper geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift bushing employs asymmetric geometry with a shoulder that creates a stepped configuration. This asymmetry ensures proper orientation and alignment during insertion, guiding the bushing into the correct position within the flange hole while maintaining ease of operation. The asymmetric design also facilitates one-way insertion, preventing incorrect installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe lifting system including a lift bushing having a first outer surface, a second outer surface, a shoulder interconnecting the first and second outer surfaces, an inner bore extending from a first end surface to a second end surface, and a fastening mechanism operatively associated with the first outer surface or the second outer surface. The lift bushing is dimensioned to be inserted through a flange hole in a flange of a pipe to facilitate lifting of the pipe. The shoulder engages a shoulder of the flange hole. The fastening mechanism retains the lift bushing within the flange hole. The lift bushing is capable of remaining within the flange hole when the flange is attached to a flange of another pipe. The pipe lifting system may also include a shackle assembly capable of selectively engaging the inner bore of the lift bushing.