Pipe Plug Non-Rotational Compression Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs for setting in pipes face issues with energy loss due to friction and require external support for activation, leading to imprecise and potentially damaging force application, and are vulnerable to pressure leakages in fluid-activated systems.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring a shaft with a non-rotational connection to a compression body via a self-locking thread or complementary connection, eliminating rotational friction and allowing precise control of activation force without external support, and incorporating an elastic delay body for controlled disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical activation is used to set the plug, then activation force can be supplied, but substantial energy is lost due to friction between movable parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based force transmission system with a hydraulic activation system. Instead of using a nut and compression plate that generate friction, the invention uses hydraulic pressure transmitted through fluid to actuate the sealing element, eliminating the substantial energy loss to friction while maintaining the ability to supply activation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly applies hydraulic activation by introducing a fluid pressure source that acts on a piston or diaphragm, which in turn activates the sealing element. This hydraulic mechanism transmits force through the fluid medium without the friction losses inherent in mechanical contact-based systems, directly resolving the energy loss problem.
2Force
If mechanical activation with torque is used, then sealing force can be applied, but a foothold (counteracting support) must be taken in surrounding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design incorporates an integrated support structure within the plug body itself, eliminating the need for external footholds. The compression element is designed to bear against internal surfaces of the plug, providing the necessary counteracting support from within the device rather than requiring external structures, thereby simplifying the overall system.
3Force
If mechanical force transmission through nut and compression plate is used, then activation force can be transmitted, but precise and controlled setting force is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the imprecise mechanical force transmission system (nut and compression plate) with a hydraulic system that allows for precise control of activation force. Hydraulic systems can precisely regulate pressure, enabling accurate control of the sealing force applied to the pipe, thereby achieving the desired measurement precision for setting force.
4Loss of energy
If hydraulic/pneumatic activation is used, then activation can be supplied without mechanical friction, but the system is sensitive to pressure leakages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates sealing elements and pressure containment features designed to prevent leakage before it occurs. The system includes redundant sealing mechanisms and pressure-regulated components that maintain system integrity, cushioning against the risk of pressure leakage and ensuring reliable operation of the hydraulic activation system.
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
Enables precise and controlled setting and disengagement of the plug with reduced energy loss, eliminating the need for external support and minimizing the risk of pressure leakages, thus improving operational reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the force transmission body is connected in a rotatable and axially movable manner to the shaft via a thread connection
Implementation Method 2
at least one elastic sealing body disposed about the shaft
Implementation Method 3
at least one radially movable anchoring body on the outside of the conical support body
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
A pipe plug (2, 2', 2'') comprising a shaft (8, 8', 8''); a force transmission body (14) disposed in a rotatable and axially movable manner about the shaft (8, 8', 8'') via a thread connection (16); and a stop body (18). Between the force transmission body (14) and the stop body (18) there is a first compression body (20, 20') disposed in an axially movable manner about the shaft (8, 8', 8'') in proximity of the force transmission body (14); a conical support body (22) disposed in an axially movable manner about the shaft (8, 8', 8''); at least one movable anchoring body (24) on the outside of the support body (22); a second compression body (26) disposed in an axially movable manner about the shaft (8, 8', 8''); and at least one elastic sealing body (28) disposed about the shaft (8, 8', 8''). The shaft (8, 8', 8'') and the first compression body (20, 20') are in direct contact with each other, and the shaft (8, 8', 8'') and the first compression body (20, 20') are connected in a non-rotational manner via complementary connection elements (30', 30''). This prevents the compression body (20, 20') from rotating for optimum transmission and control of an activation force for the plug (2, 2', 2'').