Pipe Plug Removal Drill with Bronze Blade and Inert Gas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing plugging from pipes risk causing fires or explosions when combustible gases or liquids are present due to the generation of static electricity, necessitating a more stable and spark-free operation.

Innovation Solution

A drill apparatus with a bronze drill blade, bevel and worm gears, and a flexible high-pressure hose system that allows for precise removal of plugging with minimal force while preventing sparks, using nitrogen gas to suppress potential fires or explosions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a welding rod is used to remove plugging from a pipe, then the plugging can be removed, but static electricity is generated causing sparks and fire hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplugging removal capabilityVSAvoidfire hazard from sparks
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding rod method with a drill blade mechanism that uses mechanical rotation and impact to break plugging. The drill blade is rotated by a motor and driven into the plugging through a punching mechanism, eliminating the need for welding operations that generate sparks and static electricity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a nitrogen gas supply system that fills the pipe interior with nitrogen gas before and during the plugging removal operation. This creates an inert atmosphere that prevents combustion even if sparks are generated, thereby eliminating the fire hazard associated with using welding rods in pipes containing combustible gases or liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Productivity

If conventional plugging removal methods are used in pipes with combustible materials, then plugging can be removed, but fire or explosion accidents may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplugging removal efficiencyVSAvoidsafety against fire or explosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent supplies nitrogen gas into the pipe interior before the plugging removal operation begins. This preliminary action replaces the combustible atmosphere with an inert nitrogen atmosphere, ensuring that even if the drill blade generates sparks during operation, no fire or explosion can occur. The nitrogen supply is maintained throughout the entire plugging removal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a safe operating environment by filling the pipe interior with nitrogen gas, an inert atmosphere that cannot support combustion. This allows the drill blade to efficiently remove plugging through mechanical means without the risk of fire or explosion, thereby maintaining both high productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If a drill blade is used to remove plugging, then plugging can be broken effectively, but the drill blade may get stuck in the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplugging breaking capabilityVSAvoidrisk of drill blade entanglement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the drill blade with a rotating motion controlled by a motor and transmission mechanism. The rotation speed and torque can be adjusted to match the hardness and quantity of plugging. This dynamic control allows the drill blade to effectively break plugging while reducing the risk of getting stuck, as the rotational motion prevents the blade from becoming lodged in the broken material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a punching mechanism that applies concentrated force to push the drill blade into the plugging in stages. This segmented approach allows controlled advancement of the drill blade, preventing it from becoming stuck by distributing the force application over multiple controlled movements rather than a single aggressive thrust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 safe and stable removal of plugging from pipes even when combustible gases or liquids are present, preventing accidents like fires or explosions and allowing for efficient operation in narrow spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a drill blade for breaking the plugging in the pipe; wherein the drill blade is formed of a bronze material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

a bevel gear and a bevel gear handle, for adjusting an up-and-down motion of the drill blade; a worm gear and a worm gear handle, for adjusting a rotation motion of the drill blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a screw positioned on a same axis line as the drill blade and having an outer surface shaped like a male thread; a drill shaft including a first part surrounding the screw and a second part with the drill blade fixed thereto, an internal surface of the first part being shaped like a female thread

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3636359B1Drill device for removing plugging inside pipe
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3636359B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3636359B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3636359B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An apparatus for stably removing plugging even in a state in which combustible gas or liquid remains in a pipe and precisly removing plugging even using small force. The apparatus including a drill blade for breaking plugging in the pipe; a bevel gear and a bevel gear handle, for adjusting an up-and-down motion of the drill blade; a worm gear and a worm gear handle, for adjusting a rotation motion of the drill blade; a screw positioned on a same axis line as the drill blade and having an outer surface shaped like a male thread; a drill shaft including a first part surrounding the screw and a second part with the drill blade fixed thereto, an internal surface of the first part being shaped like a female thread; and a shaft guide surrounding the first part of the drill shaft to contact the drill shaft.