Pipe Fitting Sensor for Installation Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for confirming the proper installation and monitoring the state of fluid fittings over their lifetime are inadequate, particularly in harsh environments where corrosion and damage can occur, leading to issues like sulphide stress cracking and hydrogen-induced cracking.
Innovation Solution
A fluid fitting with an electrically operated sensor device attached to the drive ring that measures elastic deformation and transmits an electrical parameter, allowing for real-time monitoring of the fitting's condition through a wireless communication system, providing continuous information on the fitting's state and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional physical inspection tests (visual, ultrasonic, X-ray) are used to confirm proper installation, then installation quality can be verified at the time of installation, but these tests provide only indirect evidence and cannot offer continuing information about the fitting state over its useful lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on the fitting's installation quality and ongoing condition. Strain gauges measure deformation during installation to verify proper mounting, while corrosion sensors continuously monitor the fitting's state throughout its service life, transforming the information loss problem into a continuous feedback system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect installation quality and ongoing corrosion without requiring external inspection. The system serves itself by providing continuous data on its own condition, eliminating the need for separate manual inspection processes.
2Reliability
If no monitoring system is installed, then the fitting structure remains simple, but there is no way to detect corrosion or damage in harsh environments until failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function directly into the fitting structure by integrating sensors into the drive ring and coupling body. This combination allows corrosion and strain detection capabilities to be incorporated without requiring separate external monitoring systems, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive ring serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical coupling, enables installation through radial expansion, and hosts sensors for strain and corrosion detection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining structural and monitoring roles in a single component.
3Measurement precision
If invasive tests are performed to check fitting installation, then installation defects can be detected, but the tests are only useful at the time of installation and require interruption of service
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system enables continuous monitoring of the fitting's condition throughout its service life without requiring service interruption. Corrosion sensors and strain gauges continuously detect installation quality and ongoing degradation, allowing productivity to be maintained while ensuring detection accuracy.
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
Ensures a reliable, non-invasive means to verify the proper installation and ongoing health of the fluid fitting, reducing the risk of corrosion and damage by providing real-time data on stress and strain, enabling predictive maintenance and preventing potential failures.
Implementation Method 1
the ring is adapted to elastically deform radially outward to an expanded condition and to apply a compressive force to the seal portion
Implementation Method 2
the electrically operated sensor device is configured to measure an elastic deformation of the exterior peripheral surface, and produce an electrical parameter in response to the elastic deformation
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid fitting is provided that is mechanically attached to a pipe, including a coupling body having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving the pipe therein. A ring is positioned to fit over the at least one end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the pipe, and a main seal formed on the inner surface of the coupling body to engage the pipe. When installed, the ring and coupling body apply a compressive force to the main seal sufficient to attach the pipe to the coupling body in a non- leaking manner. An electrically operated sensor device is fixed to a surface of one of the coupling body or ring that, when the ring is installed on the coupling body, produces an electrical parameter in response to physical movement of the coupling body or ring to which the sensor device is fixed.