PE Pipe Valve Cam Coupling for Fast Hot Tapping and Plugging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyethylene pipe service systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting machines for hot tapping, plugging, and completion operations due to complex assembly and disassembly processes, particularly in stabilizing the connection and ensuring proper alignment without reducing the fluid flow area.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a cam profile with a male portion on the valve and a complementary female portion on the machine, allowing for quick connection and disconnection with less than a full rotation, secured by a threaded collar, which includes stair-stepped channels and tabs for precise alignment and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connection method is used for polyethylene pipe service machines, then the connection can be established, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional elements: a cam profile mechanism with male and female portions, tabs for alignment, and a collar for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly and disassembly process while maintaining operational ease.
2Loss of time
If a quick connect mechanism is implemented, then connection time is reduced, but alignment precision and connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are pre-positioned on the cam profile mechanism at specific angular orientations before the connection process begins. This preliminary alignment feature guides the male and female portions into proper alignment during the quick connect operation, ensuring precision is maintained even as connection time is reduced.
3Productivity
If the machine rotates less than a full turn for connection, then operation speed increases, but the securing reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from a simple rotational movement to a multi-dimensional engagement process. The cam profile converts rotational motion into axial movement, while the collar provides a third dimension of securing through threading or clamping. This dimensional transformation allows less than a full rotation to achieve reliable connection.
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
This solution enables faster and more secure connection of polyethylene pipe service machines to valves, maintaining fluid flow stability and reducing operation time, allowing for efficient hot tapping, plugging, and completion operations within a range of DN 90 to DN 250 pipe sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of a cam profile is located on an inner wall of the cylindrical-shaped upper end; and the cylindrical-shaped lower end of the polyethylene pipe service machine including a second portion of the cam profile is located on an outer wall of the cylindrical-shaped lower end; wherein when the first and second portions of the cam profile engage with one another, rotation of the polyethylene pipe service machine relative to the valve changes a vertical elevation of the polyethylene pipe service machine relative to the valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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.