Forward-Stroke Pipe Fitting Swaging for Lower Installation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of securing pipe fittings to pipe segments in pipeline systems is limited due to the high force required to deform rigid materials like metal, which can hinder the deployment efficiency of pipeline systems.
Innovation Solution
A swage machine system that includes a grab plate with a grab tab, a die plate, and a swaging actuator to conformally deform the pipe fitting's jacket around the pipe segment tubing, using either forward or reverse strokes to secure the fitting, thereby improving deployment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pipe fitting is made from rigid material to enable engagement with pipe segment tubing, then the fitting can be securely attached, but the amount of force required to deform the fitting limits deployment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe fitting is segmented into a rigid body portion and a separate collapsible collar. The collar is designed to deform independently under compression force, while the main fitting body remains rigid to maintain structural integrity and engagement strength. This segmentation allows the fitting to be securely attached without requiring excessive force on the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation function is extracted from the main rigid fitting body and assigned to a separate collapsible collar component. This collar is specifically designed to undergo controlled deformation during installation, while the primary fitting structure maintains its rigidity for secure engagement with the pipe segment.
2Reliability
If high force is applied to deform the pipe fitting around the tubing, then secure engagement is achieved, but the deployment efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting has non-uniform structural properties: the collar portion is designed with lower stiffness to undergo localized deformation, while the main fitting body maintains high stiffness for reliable engagement. This local quality differentiation allows secure attachment with reduced overall force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar's material or geometric parameters are optimized to enable controlled deformation at specific force levels. By adjusting the collar's thickness, material composition, or cross-sectional geometry, the fitting achieves reliable engagement without requiring excessive deformation force that would reduce deployment efficiency.
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 system enhances the efficiency of securing pipe fittings to pipe segments by reducing the force required for deformation, improving the overall deployment efficiency of pipeline systems and allowing for easier fitting of pipe segments in external bores.
Implementation Method 1
conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. Additionally, the system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch on the grab ring to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate in which a die is loaded, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to push the die plate over the fitting jacket of the pipe fitting to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment via a forward stroke.