One-Sided Line Plug With Sequential Gripping and Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs for lines, such as pipes, are complex to install due to the need to access both ends, requiring specialized tools and techniques, especially in pressurized environments, where they often fail to provide a sealed environment, leading to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A plug design with a simpler mechanism where the actuator moves to grip the inner surface first, then draws the end assemblies together to compress the seal, allowing for one-sided installation without the need for complex tools, and the seal maintains both axial position and sealing, using a resilient material like polyurethane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior art plug design is used, then the plug can seal the line, but the installation requires accessing both ends and using specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into a first end assembly and a second end assembly connected by a seal, allowing independent actuation of each end. The actuator is positioned at the first end assembly and can independently control the gripping members and seal compression without requiring access to both ends
Solution Approach 2:
A threaded elongated member acts as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotational motion of the actuator into linear motion to draw the end assemblies together. This intermediary mechanism enables the actuator to control both gripping member actuation and seal compression through a single rotation axis
2Ease of operation
If a prior art plug design is used, then the plug can provide sealing force, but the installer must apply torque to one component while holding another component stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator combines multiple functions into a single component: it actuates the gripping members through the threaded elongated member, draws the end assemblies together to compress the seal, and maintains axial positioning. This merging eliminates the need for separate components to be held stationary while torque is applied
3Reliability
If a plug is installed in a pressurized line, then the line can be isolated for work, but the prior art plug may fail to provide a sealed environment
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are actuated first to grip the inner surface of the line, establishing axial positioning and preventing line movement before the seal is compressed. This preliminary action ensures the seal is compressed in the correct position against a stationary line, improving sealing reliability in pressurized environments
4Ease of operation
If the actuator moves to grip the inner surface first, then the plug can be installed from one side, but the motion sequence must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded elongated member replaces complex motion control mechanisms with a simple rotational-to-linear motion conversion. By rotating the actuator, the threaded mechanism automatically sequences the gripping member actuation and seal compression through mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for complex electronic or hydraulic motion control systems
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 plug can be easily installed in pressurized lines without specialized tools, providing a sealed environment and maintaining the line's pressure, while being more durable and resistant to fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The seal 202 is deformable such that when the first end assembly 210 and the second end assembly 240 are brought towards each other the radius of the seal expands
Implementation Method 2
The second end assembly 240 is rigidly connected to a threaded axial shaft 280 that passes through the plug 201 to the second end assembly. The first end assembly 210 is slidably mounted on the shaft 280 and is contacted by threaded nut 290, which is threaded onto the shaft 280
Implementation Method 3
The gripping member 216 is deformable such that when the gripping member actuators 270 and 270' are moved toward each other, the radius of the gripping member expands
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A plug (1, 301) for plugging a line (101), the plug comprising: a seal (2); a first end assembly (10, 310) located at a first end (4) of the seal (2) and a second end assembly (40) located at an opposite second end (5) of the seal (2), the first end assembly (10, 310) comprising at least one gripping member (16, 17, 316, 317) that is configured to grip an inner surface of the line (101); and an actuator (50) configured to draw the first (10, 310) and second end (40) assemblies together when there is a relative motion between the actuator (50) and the first end assembly (10, 310), characterised in that: the actuator (50) is configured to actuate the gripping member (16, 17, 316, 317), and the plug (1, 301) is arranged such that: an initial part of a motion of the actuator 50 actuates the gripping member (16, 17, 316, 317) to grip the inner surface of the line (101), thus inhibiting motion of the first end assembly (10, 310), and a subsequent part of the motion of the actuator (50), relative to the thus motion-inhibited first end assembly (10, 310), draws the second end assembly (40) toward the first end assembly (10, 310) so as to compress the seal (2) such that the seal (2) may seal against the inner surface of the line (101) thus plugging the line (101).