Mechanical Conduit Plug With Self-Actuated Seal Compression
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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 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 to plug conduits, then fluid flow restriction is achieved, but coupling to fluid lines is required for inflation and deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluid line coupling requirement by extracting the inflation mechanism from the system. The plug is designed to be mechanically actuated directly, eliminating the need for external fluid lines while maintaining reliable fluid flow restriction through the conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug incorporates self-contained mechanical actuation mechanisms that allow it to seal and seal itself without external assistance. The mechanical components enable the plug to achieve and maintain its sealing function independently, without requiring connection to external fluid supply 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 patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated mechanical actuator system. Rather than using separate actuators for different sealing surfaces, the design merges the actuation mechanisms so that one mechanical input drives the sealing action across multiple surfaces, reducing complexity while maintaining high-pressure sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical actuator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it activates different sealing elements and adapts to various pressure conditions through a single unified mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for different sealing requirements.
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.