Pipe Joint Watertightness Testing with Foldable Rod Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing watertightness testing devices face issues with the downward deflection and potential damage of the moving operation rod due to its weight, which requires external support, hindering pipe-joining operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a main supporting member with a rotatable main rolling member that can switch between a supporting posture outside the pipes and a folded posture inside, and an auxiliary supporting member with a rotatable auxiliary rolling member inside the pipes, to prevent deflection and damage of the moving operation rod during pipe joining and testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the moving operation rod is made long to operate the testing device body inside the pipes, then the operating reach is improved, but the rod becomes susceptible to downward deflection due to its own weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength of moving operation rodVSAvoiddeflection of moving operation rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A support table is introduced as an intermediary structure to support the moving operation rod at multiple positions along its length. The support table acts as a mediator between the rod and the ground, preventing the rod from deflecting under its own weight while allowing it to maintain its long length for operating the testing device body inside the pipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support table is added to support the moving operation rod, then the stability of the rod is improved, but the support table becomes a hindrance to pipe-joining work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of moving operation rodVSAvoidpipe-joining work
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support table is designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned or removed from the working area. The support table can be moved along the pipes or adjusted in height and position, enabling it to provide necessary support to the moving operation rod while clearing the way for pipe-joining operations when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the moving operation rod is supported externally, then the rod stability is improved, but the complexity of the overall system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of moving operation rodVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support table is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports the moving operation rod, provides a platform for operators, and can be repositioned to accommodate different working conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate support structures, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity while maintaining rod stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution allows for the prevention of moving operation rod deflection and damage, facilitating smoother pipe joining and watertightness testing without external support hindrances, ensuring efficient operation and reducing the risk of damage.

Implementation Method 1

the main supporting member has a rotatable main rolling member in a lower end section, and the auxiliary supporting member has a rotatable auxiliary rolling member in a lower end section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4119918B1Watertightness testing device and watertightness testing method
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4119918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4119918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4119918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A watertightness testing device (1) for testing the watertightness of a section where pipes (2, 3) are joined together, the watertightness testing device (1) comprising a testing device body (21) and a movement operation rod (22) that is for moving, from outside the end of a pipe, the testing device body (21), which is inside the pipe, the testing device body (21) being moved in the pipe axis direction (B), wherein the movement operation rod (22) is provided to the testing device body (21) and extends in the pipe axis direction (B), main support members (61, 62) which support the movement operation rod (22) outside the pipe (2) are provided to the movement operation rod (22), and the main support members (61, 62) each have at the lower end thereof a main rotation member (75) which freely rotates, can each be switched between a support position (K) for supporting the movement operation rod (22) outside the pipes and a folded position for being folded in the pipes, and are each biased toward the support position (K) from the folded position.