Threaded Pipe Protector Assembly with Inverted Fastener Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protector assemblies for threaded pipe pins are difficult to install, especially when pipes are stacked, as they require reaching around the pin to access the tool, which is hindered by neighboring pipes.

Innovation Solution

A protector assembly comprising a cover, a retainer, and a fastener that allows for easy installation by accessing the assembly from the cover side, with the fastener exposed for tool engagement, enabling threadable engagement with the retainer without needing to reach around the pin, using a tubular cover with a rim and a radially extending retainer that can be secured with a single or multiple fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional pin covers are used, then the pin is protected from impacts or corrosion, but the installation becomes difficult when pipes are stacked because the tool must reach around the pin which is hindered by neighboring pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from impacts or corrosionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is inverted from the conventional configuration where it would be accessed from the pin end, and is instead exposed on the cover side. This allows the tool to access the fastener from the same side as the cover, eliminating the need to reach around the pin and solving the installation difficulty when pipes are stacked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the pin axis. Instead of being collinear with the pin axis (requiring radial access), the fastener extends substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis and is exposed on the cover side, allowing axial access from the cover side only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a fastener extends through the bore of the rim and engages the retainer, then the assembly is securely fastened, but the fastener must be accessible from the pin end which requires reaching around the pin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidtool access

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener configuration is inverted so that the operative end (engaging the retainer) remains at the pin end while the access end is moved to the cover side. This allows secure fastening to be maintained while changing the access direction from radial (around the pin) to axial (from the cover side).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4166837B1A protector assembly and associated method for protecting a threaded pipe

Publication Date: 2025.03.26 TENARIS CONNECTIONS BV

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AI summary

A protector assembly for covering a pin of a threaded pipe and a method for assembling such a protector assembly. The protector assembly comprises a cover, a retainer and at least one fastener for fastening the retainer to the cover. The cover includes a tubular portion defining a longitudinal axis from a closed end to an open end, the open end defining a rim for axial abutment with the retainer. The retainer has an abutment face for abutment with the rim. The rim comprises a bore extending therethrough. A fastener extends through the bore of the rim and engages the retainer, the fastener extending substantially in parallel with the longitudinal axis and exposed on the cover side of the bore of the rim for engagement by a tool or user to operate the fastener.