Pipe Deflection Gauge Geometry for Accurate Compliance Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deflection gauges fail to accurately assess pipe deflection due to their altitude being smaller than the outer diameter, leading to incorrect compliance with regulatory standards, as they pass through deflected pipes that exceed the specified deflection limits.
Innovation Solution
The design of deflection gauges with an outer circumferential edge defining both the altitude and outer diameter, ensuring the gauge's cross-sectional profile aligns with user expectations and regulatory standards by allowing for equal or minor differences in these dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gauge altitude is made smaller than the outer diameter for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing is easier, but measurement precision deteriorates because the gauge cannot accurately assess pipe deflection compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gauge by making the altitude equal to the outer diameter, rather than smaller. This parameter change ensures that the gauge accurately represents the pipe deflection limit while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes.
2Measurement precision
If the gauge altitude is made equal to the outer diameter to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to the specific geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting the altitude equal to the outer diameter, creating a specific geometric configuration that improves measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through straightforward manufacturing methods.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are pipe deflection gauges comprising a first guide disc having an outer circumferential edge that functions as the gauge surface, as distinguished from prior art devices, in which discrete rods or fins affixed to a central support define the gauge surface. The disclosed deflection gauges advantageously provide a cross-sectional profile having an altitude that is substantially the same as the maximum outer diameter, and therefore better align with user expectations for measurement of deflection, while being able to comply with regulatory standards by providing an accurate assessment of compliance of a particular pipe.