Pipe Attachment Assembly for In-Line Sensor Installation Without Jig Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing information acquisition devices in pipes require forming a hole in the pipe and replacing jigs, making the installation process complicated.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with a pipe attachment portion, valve portion, and valve connection portions that allow easy installation of an information acquisition device through a formed hole, using a drilling machine to create the hole and attaching the device with elastic seals to prevent water leakage and facilitate easy centering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hole is formed in the pipe and jigs are replaced for installing information acquisition devices, then information can be acquired from arbitrary locations, but the installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of information acquisition devices (drilling machines, sensors, cameras) through a standardized interface. The device includes a common attachment portion with opening/closing mechanism that works with different tool types, eliminating the need to replace jigs for different installation tasks while maintaining the ability to install at arbitrary pipe locations
2Ease of manufacture
If a drilling machine is attached to form a hole, then access to the pipe interior is achieved, but the attachment and detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device incorporates a dynamic opening/closing mechanism that transitions between an open state for attaching/detaching drilling machines and information acquisition devices, and a closed state for sealing the pipe opening. This dynamic structure allows the same device to facilitate both hole formation and subsequent device installation without requiring separate fixed jigs, simplifying the overall attachment operation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device serves as an intermediary platform between the pipe and various tools (drilling machines, sensors). It provides a standardized interface and support structure that mediates the connection process, making it easier to attach and detach different tools without direct manipulation of the pipe itself, thus simplifying the attachment operation
3Reliability
If elastic portions are used for sealing, then water leakage is prevented, but the insertion force requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sealing portions are designed with optimized material properties and geometric parameters (hardness, cross-sectional shape, installation position) that allow them to deform and seal effectively at lower insertion forces. The elastic portions are positioned to engage with corresponding features on the pipe and attachment device, creating a sealing action that relies on elastic deformation rather than high mechanical force, thus maintaining reliability while reducing the required insertion force
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 easy and space-saving installation of information acquisition devices at arbitrary locations in pipes, allowing direct acquisition of pipe information without interrupting water flow and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic portion on an outer peripheral surface of the first main body to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the first main body and an inner peripheral surface of the second through hole
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic portion on an outer peripheral surface of the second main body to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the second main body and an inner peripheral surface of the opening
Implementation Method 3
the first main body is connectable to the drilling machine or the information acquisition device by being inserted into the second through hole so as to be pushed against a frictional force of the first elastic portion
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device that is capable of forming a through hole in an outer peripheral surface of a pipe using a drilling machine and attaches an information acquisition device to acquire information regarding the pipe through the through hole, includes a pipe attachment portion attachable to the pipe and including an opening communicating with the through hole, a valve portion attached so as to communicate with the opening, a valve connection portion to connect the opening and the valve portion, and an attachment portion to which the drilling machine or the information acquisition device can be attached.