Broken Pipe Fitting Extraction Tool Edge Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for extracting broken male threaded pipe fittings often fail to effectively remove non-metallic fittings like plastic or PVC, as they tend to machine or carve the material instead of gripping it, leading to increased torque requirements that can render the fitting unusable.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a blade portion and drive shank that engages the broken fitting entirely on its exposed edge, minimizing machining and reducing necessary torque by avoiding expansion, allowing for effective extraction of both metallic and non-metallic fittings without damaging the female pipe fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional extraction tools are used on non-metallic fittings, then extraction force is applied to the broken fitting, but the tool pressure machines or carves the softer plastic materials instead of gripping them
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a gripping surface with teeth for engaging the broken fitting, and a separate drive mechanism for applying torque. This segmentation allows the gripping surface to be optimized for material engagement while the drive mechanism provides the necessary rotational force, preventing the tool from machining the plastic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping surface of the extraction tool is designed with specific local qualities - teeth or knurls concentrated in the radial direction to engage the broken fitting edge. This localized geometry provides gripping capability without distributing pressure across the entire fitting surface, thereby preventing machining of the softer plastic material.
2Force
If conventional extraction tools expand the fitting during removal, then gripping force is increased, but the necessary removal torque increases and the fitting is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the fitting to increase gripping force (conventional approach), the tool engages the broken fitting edge directly with teeth or knurls on its gripping surface. This inverted approach maintains gripping force without requiring expansion, thereby avoiding increased removal torque and preventing destruction of the fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction tool removes the broken fitting through direct engagement with its exposed edge using teeth or knurls, rather than relying on expansion. This extraction mechanism pulls the fitting out without generating the excessive torque that would destroy the fitting, preserving the salvageable parts.
3Reliability
If conventional tools are used on metallic fittings, then extraction can be achieved, but the tool pressure is so great that it machines or carves the softer plastic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surface is designed with localized teeth or knurls that concentrate engagement at specific points on the broken fitting edge. This local quality provides sufficient gripping force for extraction while distributing pressure in a way that prevents machining of the softer plastic material, unlike conventional tools that apply pressure across the entire surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to tools or devices which are commonly used for extracting or removing damaged or broken male threaded pipe fittings from their female threaded fitting counterparts. Said damaged male pipe fittings are often removed or extracted as a cost savings measure, in order to salvage the female fitting portion. This avoids the necessity and cost of discarding and replacing both the damaged or broken male fitting, as well as the undamaged female fitting or fittings. This salvage process is especially cost effective in cases where the broken or damaged male pipe fitting in question, is part of a larger, more expensive plumbing assembly or system.