Mechanical Conduit Plug With Compressed Seal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable plugs for conduits require coupling with fluid lines for inflation and deflation, and multiple seal actuators for higher pressure applications, which complicates their use in maintenance and fluid flow restriction.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical plug design featuring a first and second plug portion with an elongate member, where actuation of the elongate member moves the plug portions toward each other to compress a seal against the conduit inner wall, restricting fluid flow without the need for fluid line coupling or multiple actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable plugs are used for plugging conduits, then fluid flow restriction is achieved, but coupling to fluid lines is required for inflation and deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fluid line coupling requirement by transitioning from an inflatable plug system to a mechanically actuated plug system. The plug is inflated through mechanical compression of a bellows structure directly by the actuator, removing the need for external fluid lines and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a bellows structure as an intermediary between the actuator and the plug sealing surface. The bellows converts the linear motion of the actuator into radial expansion of the plug, mediating the force transmission without requiring fluid lines.
2Reliability
If multiple seal actuators are used for larger and higher pressure plugs, then sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple potential actuators into a single actuator that drives a common bellows structure. The bellows distributes the mechanical force uniformly around the plug circumference, achieving high-pressure sealing capability with one actuator rather than multiple separate actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical amplifier, a force distributor, a seal actuator, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators for different sealing zones.
3Reliability
If mechanical plug components are moved toward each other to compress seal, then sealing efficiency is improved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible bellows structure made of elastomeric material that compresses the seal through radial expansion rather than direct axial compression. This flexible membrane approach distributes contact stresses and reduces friction and wear compared to rigid component compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using the bellows as a pneumatic actuator that expands radially to engage the seal. This pneumatic expansion mechanism reduces sliding friction and wear compared to direct mechanical contact and sliding between rigid components.
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
Enables efficient and simplified fluid flow restriction in conduits, allowing for maintenance and repair without external assistance, with self-centering capabilities and scalability for various pressure and size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Actuation of the elongate member moves the first plug portion and the second plug portion toward each other to compress the seal in a direction along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical plug includes first and second plug portions and an elongate member. The first plug portion includes a first endwall and a first sidewall. The first sidewall includes a female section extending in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the mechanical plug. The second plug portion is movable relative to the first plug portion. The second plug portion includes a second sidewall, a second endwall coupled to the second sidewall, and a seal. The second sidewall includes a male section extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The seal surrounds a portion of the male section in a region along the longitudinal axis between the second endwall and the female section. The elongate member is coupled to the first and second plug portions. Actuation of the elongate member moves the first plug portion and the second plug portion toward each other to compress the seal.