Pipe-End Protector Assembly for Sealed Thread Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protector assemblies for threaded tubular connections fail to effectively protect the external threads from deformation, pollution, and damage, especially in premium connections with special features like sealing surfaces and performance-enhancing coatings.
Innovation Solution
A protector assembly comprising two shell members that form a tubular enclosure around the threaded end of a pipe, providing a strong seal and additional protection features such as internal threaded portions, complementary projections and recesses, and a wirelessly readable memory like an RFID tag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple covers are used to protect pipe ends, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the protection effectiveness against deformation, pollution, and damage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protector assembly is divided into multiple shell members (first shell member, second shell member) that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each shell member to be produced using simple injection moulding processes while the assembled configuration provides enhanced protection through the coordinated structure of multiple components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell members are designed to nest together forming a complete tubular enclosure when assembled. The first shell member and second shell member fit together with complementary features (projections and recesses) to create a unified protective structure that maintains thread protection while enabling easy manufacturing of individual components.
2Reliability
If premium threaded connections with special features are used, then connection performance is enhanced, but the vulnerability to damage from deformation, pollution, and coating degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protector assembly is applied to the pipe end before the threaded connection is used, creating a preliminary protective barrier that prevents contaminants, deformation, and damage from affecting the premium connection features. The tubular enclosure formed by the shell members establishes this protective action in advance, shielding sealing surfaces and performance-enhancing coatings during storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector assembly maintains the integrity of premium connection features during the period between manufacturing and use by providing continuous protection. The sealed enclosure prevents pollution and physical damage before the connection is deployed, ensuring that the special features (sealing surfaces, coatings) remain in optimal condition for high-performance operation.
3Reliability
If a sealed tubular enclosure is formed to protect threads, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the protector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed tubular enclosure is achieved through segmentation into multiple shell members rather than requiring a single complex sealed component. Each shell member can be manufactured independently using simple injection moulding, and the assembly of these segments creates the complete sealed enclosure, distributing the complexity across multiple simple components rather than one complex component.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell members incorporate self-aligning features such as complementary projections and recesses that automatically guide proper assembly and create the sealed enclosure without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional sealing components. The design enables the structure to self-assemble into the protective configuration, reducing the operational complexity despite achieving effective sealing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a protector assembly for the end of a pipe. The protector assembly comprising at least a first shell member and a second shell member. The first shell member comprises a first longitudinally extending wall and a first cover; the second shell member comprises a second longitudinally extending wall; and the shell members are configured to cooperate in an assembled configuration to form a tubular enclosure having an open end and an opposing closed end, the tubular enclosure arranged for enclosing the threaded end of the pipe, wherein the closed end is closed by the abutment of the first cover with the second longitudinally extending wall.