Pipe Closure Mechanism With External Actuation for Scratch-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure apparatuses for pipes require high force for assembly, leading to surface scratching and reduced leaktightness, and are limited to straight pipe ends, with the collar promoting corrosion and hindering liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
A closure apparatus with an adjustable element that moves from a first to a second position to achieve a sealing position with minimal surface pressure, using a support element and transmission elements to convert movement into the required surface pressure, allowing for easy installation and reliable sealing without surface scratching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure apparatus is pushed into the pipe with high axial force to ensure sealing contact, then the sealing contact face bears against the pipe inner face with sufficient surface pressure, but the axial force required for assembly increases significantly and the contact surfaces are scratched
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the closure apparatus axially into the pipe, the invention inverts the approach by inserting the apparatus radially through the pipe wall. The adjusting element is inserted through a hole in the pipe wall, and the closure apparatus is actuated from the outside, reversing the traditional insertion direction and eliminating the need for high axial forcing
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts external rotational or linear movement into radial movement of the closure apparatus. This intermediary mechanism allows the closure apparatus to be actuated from outside the pipe without requiring direct axial insertion, thereby reducing assembly force requirements
2Reliability
If the sealing contact face bears against the pipe inner face with high surface pressure to ensure leaktightness, then sealing is improved, but the contact surfaces are scratched and leaktightness deteriorates with repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the sealing approach by having the closure apparatus bear against the outer surface of the pipe rather than the inner surface. The sealing contact face contacts the pipe outer surface, eliminating the scratching problem that occurs when the sealing face rubs against the pipe inner face during axial insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The closure apparatus is designed to be inserted through the pipe wall and can be removed and reused. The sealing contact face that contacts the pipe outer surface is not damaged during insertion and removal, allowing the closure apparatus to be recovered and used repeatedly without degradation of sealing performance
3Reliability
If a collar protrudes radially to ensure sealing contact, then sealing is improved, but the collar makes it difficult for liquid to flow out and encourages corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic collar component from the design. Instead of using a radial collar to ensure sealing contact, the closure apparatus achieves sealing through the sealing contact face bearing against the pipe outer surface, removing the source of flow restriction and corrosion problems
Solution Approach 2:
The closure apparatus without a protruding collar allows liquid to flow freely out of the pipe end. The design discards the collar structure that caused flow restriction and corrosion, enabling both free liquid flow and effective sealing
4Reliability
If the closure apparatus structure includes a collar and cylindrical casing section, then sealing is achieved, but the apparatus is limited to straight pipe ends and cannot be used with various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure apparatus is designed with a universal structure that can be used with pipes of various orientations and configurations. The adjusting element inserted through the pipe wall and the external actuation mechanism allow the apparatus to function effectively whether the pipe is horizontal, vertical, or at any angle, eliminating the limitation to straight horizontal pipe ends
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 solution enables simple and quick fitting with reduced axial resistance, ensuring reliable sealing and minimizing wear, while allowing for use in pipes with various orientations and reducing corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
an operating apparatus (10) with at least one adjusting element (10) which can be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the support element (4)... a force which is introduced onto the operating apparatus (10) from the outside acts on the adjusting element (10) in order to move the said adjusting element (10) from the first to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A closure apparatus is provided for closing a pipe. The closure apparatus includes a support element, at least one sealing contact face and a closure apparatus centre axis. At least one operating apparatus with at least one adjusting element, which can be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the support element, is also provided. The closure apparatus is in a sealing position in the second position of the adjusting element.