Mechanical Pipe ID Gauge With Spring Fingers for Tolerance Checks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the inside diameter of pipes, particularly in pressurized oilfield and industrial applications, require expensive electronic devices and data processing capabilities, making them complex and costly, and there is a need for a simple, manually operable device that does not rely on electronic components or data processing.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device with pivotable fingers and a spring mechanism that measures the inside diameter of a pipe by determining if it exceeds a predetermined value, allowing for manual operation without electronic components or data processing, using a system with an outer housing, pivotable fingers, and a spring that pivots based on the pipe's diameter, with optional features like an indicator rod and stabilizers for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic testing with linear arrays and drive assembly is used to measure pipe inside diameter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic ultrasonic testing systems with a simple mechanical measurement device. The mechanical caliper-like system uses physical contact between measurement jaws and the pipe inner surface to directly measure inside diameter, eliminating the need for ultrasonic transducers, drive assemblies, and electronic data processing while achieving sufficient measurement precision for quality control purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, inexpensive mechanical measuring device that can be easily manufactured and disposed of or reused, replacing expensive electronic measurement systems. The mechanical caliper design uses basic components like a frame, measurement jaws, and scale that are far cheaper than ultrasonic testing equipment
2Measurement precision
If laser sensors and electronic data processing are used to measure pipe diameter, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laser sensors and electronic data processing systems with a simple mechanical measurement device that provides direct visual reading. The mechanical caliper with scale or dial indicator allows operators to read measurements directly without requiring electronic displays, data processing, or complex operation procedures, significantly improving ease of use while maintaining adequate precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical measurement device is designed to be self-operating without requiring external power sources, electronic processing, or complex calibration. The device automatically provides measurement readings through its mechanical scale or indicator system, making it immediately usable by operators without technical training in electronic systems
3Measurement precision
If wide light beam and light sensors are used to measure pipe diameter, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems using wide light beams and sensors with a simple mechanical caliper-like device. The mechanical system uses physical contact measurement with jaws that expand to touch the pipe inner surface, providing direct diameter measurement without requiring optical components, light sources, or sensor systems, thereby eliminating device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
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
Provides a reliable, cost-effective, and simple mechanical method to measure pipe diameters within acceptable tolerances, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of pipe rupture during pressurized fluid transport by identifying deviations in pipe diameter without the need for complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operatively connected to the fingers... The spring is configured to urge the fingers toward the failing position
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring an inside diameter of a pipe to determine if it exceeds a predetermined value using a plurality of fingers operatively connected to a spring. When in a fully extended position, the distance between opposite fingers is the predetermined value. The fingers are pivotable between a starting position, through the fully extended position, and to a failing position. In the starting position, an outer end of each finger engages an inside surface of the pipe to compress the spring. If the diameter exceeds the predetermined value as the system moves through the pipe, the pipe inside surface will no longer engage the fingers, which releases the spring causing the fingers to pivot to the failing position, where they remain until the system is removed from the pipe and manually reset.