In-Situ Pipe Puncturing Apparatus Using Radial Bullet Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for puncturing pipes are limited by the need for external access, which is often obstructed, especially in environments like well casings below grade, where typical drilling, cutting, or heating methods are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically activated apparatus with a support assembly, actuator, and firing assembly that can be inserted into the pipe to fire a bullet radially through the pipe wall, allowing for remote activation and puncturing without external access, featuring a firing chamber and pin mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If typical drilling, cutting, or heating methods are used to puncture pipes, then the pipe can be punctured at accessible locations, but these methods cannot be applied when the pipe is installed in obstructed environments or below grade where external access is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by inserting the puncturing apparatus inside the pipe and firing the bullet outward through the pipe wall, rather than accessing the pipe from the outside. This allows puncturing at locations where external access is obstructed or unavailable, such as below-grade installations or areas surrounded by equipment and walls.
2Strength
If a rigid support assembly is used to maintain structural integrity during puncturing, then the apparatus can withstand firing forces, but the apparatus cannot navigate curved pipes or conform to irregular pipe geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a flexible distal end that can bend and conform to curved pipe geometries while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support the firing mechanism. This flexibility allows the apparatus to navigate irregular pipe shapes without compromising the strength needed to withstand firing forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pipe wall thickness varies at different locations, then the pipe can be designed for optimal performance, but a fixed-distance firing mechanism cannot accurately puncture through walls of varying thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The firing mechanism uses a spring-loaded or elastically biased system where the bullet is propelled by elastic potential energy rather than a fixed mechanical distance. This dynamic mechanism automatically adapts to varying wall thicknesses, allowing accurate puncturing regardless of the specific thickness at the target location.
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 puncturing of pipes in-situ, including those installed below grade or in obstructed environments, without compromising the pipe's integrity, and can operate in curved pipes or liquids like water.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatically activated apparatus for puncturing a pipe in-situ. The apparatus has a support assembly, an actuator, a firing assembly having a firing pin in pneumatic communication with the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for puncturing a pipe in-situ is presently disclosed. The apparatus has an actuator in communication with a remote controller. A firing assembly has a firing chamber and a firing pin, wherein the firing pin is in communication with the actuator. The firing chamber is configured to hold and fire a bullet radially toward the pipe, upon the firing pin being actuated with the actuator. The method includes the steps of inserting a pipe puncturing apparatus into a pipe, activating an actuator, communicating the activation of the actuator to a hammer and moving a firing pin in the hammer to impinge a cartridge and fire a bullet.