Pig Trap Door Device Controlled Torque Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for opening and closing pig trap doors in pipelines require impact force, which is time-consuming, dangerous, and imprecise, leading to potential damage and reduced service life due to the need for high torque caused by environmental factors like pressure and corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A novel pig trap door device with a ratchet mechanism and hinge attachment system that applies a controlled torque without impact, allowing for precise and safe operation of the threaded pipeline coupling, using a threaded rod and ratchet device to rotate the door smoothly and reliably.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional impact force methods are used to open and close pig trap doors, then the door can be operated, but the operation is time-consuming and dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operation safetyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional impact force mechanical system with a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic cylinder applies controlled linear force that is converted to rotational motion through a gear mechanism, eliminating the need for dangerous impact forces while reducing operation time through smooth, controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the hydraulic cylinder's linear motion and the door's rotational motion. This gear mechanism (comprising a gear segment and rack) transforms the linear hydraulic force into controlled rotational movement, enabling precise and safe door operation without impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high torque is applied to overcome pressure and corrosion, then the door seal is maintained, but the door and components suffer reduced service life due to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoiddoor service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic hydraulic actuation system that can adjust the applied torque in real-time based on the actual sealing requirements. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled, variable force rather than constant high torque, applying only the necessary force to maintain the seal against pressure and corrosion while minimizing stress on the door and components, thereby extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of applied force from static high torque to dynamically adjustable torque. The hydraulic system allows precise control of the torque parameter, applying only the minimum necessary force to maintain sealing reliability under varying pressure and corrosion conditions, thus preventing excessive stress and extending component service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If impact force is used to operate the door, then the door can be opened and closed, but the operation is imprecise and causes potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operation precisionVSAvoiddoor damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the imprecise impact force mechanical system with a hydraulic actuation system that provides precise, controlled movement. The hydraulic cylinder delivers smooth, adjustable linear motion that is converted to precise rotational motion through the gear mechanism, eliminating the imprecision and damage caused by impact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gear mechanism serves as an intermediary that transforms the precise linear motion of the hydraulic cylinder into controlled rotational motion of the door. This intermediary mechanism ensures precise and damage-free operation by eliminating the direct impact force transmission, allowing for accurate positioning and smooth door movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The device enables efficient, safe, and precise operation of pig trap doors, reducing the amount of work required and minimizing damage, while ensuring a reliable high-pressure seal, even under varying environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A pig trap door device 100 may be used as a tool for opening and closing rotary-type pig trap doors. The pig trap door device may further be configured to precisely apply a relatively large torque for sealing the pig trap door.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet: Ratchet

Implementation Method 3

using a threaded rod and ratchet device to rotate the door smoothly and reliably

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9052049B2Device for opening and closing pig trap doors

Publication Date: 2015.06.09 SPECTRA ENERGY CORP

AI summary

A disclosed pig trap door device serves as a tool for opening and/or closing a pig trap door of a pipeline. The pig trap door device may be fixed to a hinge portion of the pig trap door at a hinge attachment and may also be movably coupled to the pig trap door with a force actuator at a door attachment. Operation of the force actuator causes the door attachment to rotate the pig trap door with sufficient torque to seal and/or remove the pig trap door.