Modular Threaded Pipe End Protector for Replaceable Thread Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular threaded component protectors are prone to damage during transportation and operation, leading to irreversible damage and disposal, which increases waste and costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular protector design with interchangeable cylindrical elements and locking mechanisms that allow individual parts to be replaced, ensuring adaptability to various thread types and preventing rotational and axial displacement, thus enabling reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protector is screwed onto a tubular threaded component to protect functional surfaces, then protection against corrosion, dust and shocks is improved, but the protector itself can suffer damages during transportation and operation leading to irreversible damage and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is divided into a reusable cap element and replaceable cylindrical elements (first and second cylindrical elements). This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained while enabling replacement of only the damaged threaded portion, thus reducing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the cap element and first cylindrical element after the second cylindrical element (with damaged threads) is replaced. This selective replacement approach recovers valuable materials and reduces overall waste compared to discarding the entire protector.
2Ease of manufacture
If the protector is designed as a single integrated piece, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to various thread types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is segmented into modular cylindrical elements that can be selectively replaced. The second cylindrical element can be manufactured with different thread types and swapped as needed, providing adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap element and first cylindrical element serve as universal components that can accommodate multiple types of second cylindrical elements with different thread specifications. This multi-functionality allows a single base protector design to adapt to various thread types through simple element replacement.
3Reliability
If the protector uses locking mechanisms to prevent rotational and axial displacement, then secure engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (locking element with locking groove) distinct from the protective function. This separation allows the locking mechanism to be optimized independently while maintaining the overall simplicity of the protector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the cylindrical elements to prevent rotational and axial displacement. This intermediate locking mechanism provides secure engagement without requiring complex integration into the main protector structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Protector for tubular threaded component for drilling, exploitation of hydrocarbon wells, transport of oil and gas, transport or storage of hydrogen, carbon capture or geothermal energy, said protector comprising: - A cap element comprising at least a first locking mechanism, - A first cylindrical element comprising at least a second locking mechanism, said second locking mechanism configured to cooperate, in an assembled state, with the first locking mechanism of the cap element, said first cylindrical element comprising a first assembling guide, a first inner surface turned inwardly, and a first external surface turned outwardly, said first assembling guide being arranged either on the first inner surface or on the first external surface. - A second cylindrical element comprising at least a second assembling guide, a second inner surface turned inwardly, and a second external surface turned outwardly, said second assembling guide being arranged either on the second external surface or on the second inner surface, said second inner surface or said second external surface comprises a threaded area.