Pipe Coupon Retainer With Detent Engagement for Leak-Free Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupon extraction tools face difficulties in removing pipe coupons from pressurized fluid distribution systems without causing leakage, especially when the pipe is buried and pressurized, making the removal process challenging and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupon extraction tool with a detent member and biasing element that catches onto the pipe coupon, allowing for secure removal by extending radially outward to facilitate movement and alignment, ensuring the pipe coupon is evenly balanced and aligned during extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe coupon is cut from a pressurized pipe using a hole saw tool, then the pipe coupon can be removed for testing or replacement, but fluid leakage from the pressurized system occurs during the removal process
Solution Approach 1:
The tool performs preliminary actions by first drilling a pilot hole through the pipe wall, then enlarging it to the final diameter, and only then removing the pipe coupon. This sequential approach allows the system to remain pressurized and intact until the very end of the process, minimizing leakage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device that interfaces with the pressurized pipe system, providing a controlled method to remove pipe coupons while maintaining system pressure. The tool body and cutting mechanism serve as the intermediary between the pressurized fluid and the removal operation
2Ease of operation
If the pipe coupon removal tool is designed with simple structure, then ease of manufacture and operation is improved, but the ability to securely engage and balance the pipe coupon during removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a detent member with a leg that can deform elastically under radial load. This dynamic feature allows the leg to flex during insertion and then spring back to engage and balance the pipe coupon securely, providing both ease of operation and reliable engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The detent member's leg changes its physical state from a deformed configuration during insertion to a spring-loaded engaged configuration during coupon removal. This parameter change allows the same component to facilitate both easy insertion and secure engagement
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 tool effectively removes pipe coupons without leakage, maintaining the system's integrity and ensuring safe operation by securely engaging and aligning the pipe coupon for balanced removal, even in pressurized conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the leg biased in a radially outward direction by one of a wall of the recess or a biasing element of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A method of using a tool can include obtaining a tool which comprises a tool body having a recess and a detent member coupled to the tool body having a leg extending from the tool body, receiving the detent member of the tool body within the recess of the tool body upon one of deformation and movement of the leg by pushing the leg in a radially inward direction against a biasing of the leg in a radially outward direction with an edge of a hole formed in a portion of a pipe, passing the detent member through the hole formed in the pipe, catching the detent member in a removal direction, and moving a pipe coupon with the tool