Threaded Pipe Joint Tightening Using Torque-Angle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tightening screw connections are not adaptable to varying materials and environmental conditions, leading to unwanted tensions and potential failures due to incorrect torque application, especially when temperature and cleanliness vary.
Innovation Solution
A procedure that continuously monitors the ratio of torque to rotation angle during the tightening process, with a starting point and threshold identified by significant changes in this ratio, allowing for adaptive torque application and preventing false tensions, using a device with sensors and an algorithm to determine the connection's sufficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed torque and angle of rotation are used for tightening screw connections, then the tightening process is simple and fast, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to unwanted stresses from incorrect torque application under varying temperature and cleanliness conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, static tightening parameters to dynamic parameters that adapt during the tightening process. The method monitors the relationship between angle of rotation and torque in real-time, allowing the tightening process to adjust automatically based on actual conditions encountered, such as temperature variations and thread cleanliness, thereby maintaining reliability without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the relationship between angle of rotation and torque during tightening. The system detects characteristic changes in this relationship to identify the starting point of sealing element compression and determines when a threshold is reached. This feedback mechanism allows the tightening process to self-regulate and adapt to varying conditions, ensuring reliable connections while maintaining efficient productivity
2Reliability
If different approach angles are used for different materials and environmental conditions, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for material identification and conditional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the tightening device to automatically identify and adapt to different materials and environmental conditions without requiring external intervention or complex pre-programming. The system uses the inherent mechanical feedback from the tightening process itself—the relationship between angle of rotation and torque—to automatically determine the appropriate tightening parameters, eliminating the need for separate material identification systems or complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the tightening parameters (torque, angle of rotation) to change dynamically based on the detected relationship between angle and torque during the process. Rather than requiring pre-set parameters for different materials, the system adjusts parameters in real-time based on the actual mechanical behavior observed during tightening, simplifying the device while improving reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for tightening a threaded connection, preferably for connecting pipeline components, wherein the threaded connection to be tightened comprises a connecting element unit with an external thread, a connecting element unit with an internal thread, and a sealing element arranged between them, wherein the method comprises the following steps: • Positioning the connecting element unit with internal or external thread until contact with the sealing element and reaching the starting point for compression of the sealing element, wherein the sealing element is arranged on or in at least one of the connecting element units and is in contact with the other, • Tightening the connecting element unit with internal or external thread up to a predetermined threshold value,wherein the starting point for the compression of the sealing element and the threshold value are determined based on the changes in the ratio between the angle of rotation and the torque that occur during the tightening and tightening of the threaded connection.