Pipe Sealing Plug Structure for Leak-Test Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing plugs often inadvertently remain in pipes during assembly, leading to false leak test results and difficulties in removal due to their design, which complicates the transport and storage of pipes and can result in costly rework.
Innovation Solution
A sealing plug design featuring a holding section with a frictional connection and an extension section that creates a deliberate leak during pressure testing if accidentally left in the pipe, allowing easy detection and removal, while maintaining the plug's functionality during transport and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing plug is designed with a tight frictional connection to prevent premature loosening, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing plug is divided into two functional sections: a retaining section with frictional connection for secure mounting, and an extension section protruding from the pipe end for easy gripping and removal. This segmentation allows the plug to maintain reliable sealing while enabling simple removal operations.
2Reliability
If the sealing plug is designed with a tight frictional connection, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the time required for removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug's extension section protrudes beyond the pipe end, providing a convenient gripping surface that enables rapid removal without requiring special tools or excessive time, while the retaining section maintains secure frictional connection during transport and storage.
3Reliability
If the sealing plug has an outer diameter equal to the pipe inner diameter for tight connection, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug consists of a retaining section with outer diameter matching the pipe inner diameter for tight frictional connection, and an extension section protruding from the pipe end with a smaller outer diameter that provides a gripping surface for easy removal operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing plug is designed to prevent premature loosening, then the stability is improved, but the ease of removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining section provides stable frictional connection preventing premature loosening during transport and storage, while the extension section protruding from the pipe end provides a convenient gripping surface for easy removal when needed.
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
Ensures that the presence of a sealing plug is detected during leak testing, preventing system failures and facilitating easy removal without hindering pipe stacking or storage, thus reducing rework and ensuring system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
By means of the retaining section inserted into the pipe to be sealed, the sealing plug is preferably held in place by a frictional connection between the retaining section and the inner wall of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sealing plug (1) for temporarily closing a pipe opening at a pipe end (2). This plug has a retaining section (3) that is inserted into the pipe to be closed and holds the sealing plug (1) in place on the pipe, and a stop (4) that abuts an end face of the pipe end (2) surrounding the pipe opening to be closed, the maximum diameter of which is equal to the outer diameter of the pipe at the pipe end (2) to be closed. On the side of its stop (4) facing away from the pipe end (2), the sealing plug (1) has an extension section (5) whose length is greater than the receiving length (9) of an insertion area (8) of each pipe connector (7) provided for connecting the pipe to other elements of a piping system, the insertion area having been enlarged with respect to its inner diameter.The outer diameter (11) of this extension section (5) is smaller than the inner diameter (10) of the insertion area (8) of a respective pipe connector (7), but larger than the inner diameter (12) of a pipe connector section adjoining the insertion area (8).