PE Pipe Valve Cam Coupling for Quick Hot Tapping and Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyethylene pipe service systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting polyethylene pipe service machines to valves, particularly in ensuring secure and rapid access to the pipe interior for hot tapping, plugging, and completion operations.
Innovation Solution
The polyethylene pipe service system incorporates a valve with a cam profile on its upper end and a machine with a complementary cam profile on its lower end, allowing for quick connection and disconnection through a non-threaded cam profile engagement, which changes the vertical elevation of the machine relative to the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to connect the polyethylene pipe service machine to the valve, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connection and disconnection process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile connection is segmented into two portions: a first portion on the valve and a second portion on the machine. These segmented portions engage with each other through a simple rotational motion to achieve quick connection, eliminating the need for threading while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism uses a dynamic cam profile engagement where rotation of the machine relative to the valve changes the vertical elevation and establishes the connection. This dynamic motion-based connection is faster than static threaded connections while maintaining reliability through the interlocking cam portions.
2Loss of time
If a quick connect mechanism is used to reduce connection time, then the connection process is faster, but the connection security and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile utilizes curved geometric surfaces that engage through rotation. The curved cam portions provide mechanical interlocking during the quick connect process, ensuring that the connection achieves both speed and security through the geometric relationship between the curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect mechanism achieves reliability through dynamic engagement of the cam profiles. As the machine rotates relative to the valve, the cam portions progressively engage and lock into position, providing a secure connection that is both fast and reliable through the controlled mechanical interaction.
3Ease of operation
If a non-threaded cam profile connection is used, then the connection process is simplified and faster, but the means to secure the machine to the valve must be differently designed
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile connection merges the functions of alignment, engagement, and securing into a single rotational motion. The first and second portions of the cam profile are designed to work together as an integrated system, combining multiple connection functions into one simple operation that reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile connection mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides quick connection, ensures proper alignment, and secures the machine to the valve through the engagement of the cam portions. This multi-functional design simplifies operation while the engineered cam geometry manages the design complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a polyethylene ("PE") pipe servicing system of this disclosure may include a fusible PE fitting (F) providing a branch connection to a PE pipeline section or run (P), a valve (10) connected to the fitting and including quick connect/disconnect means, and a machine connectable to the valve including complementary quick connect/disconnect means. The quick connect means provide for full scope of operation, including cleaning, fusion, cool down, hot tap, plugging, and completion. No squeezing is used. The quick connect/disconnect means may include a first portion 20 of a cam profile and a second portion 40 of the cam profile complementary to that of the first. The machine may be a drilling or hot tapping machine (30T), a plugging machine (30P), or a completion machine (30C), and their associated tools. The valve and machine are more lightweight and faster and easier to use than the prior art.