Pipe Shut-Off Sleeve With Cutting Gate for Emergency Leak Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe systems face frequent breakages and leaks due to fatigue, corrosion, and other factors, leading to extensive damage and safety issues, as current safety devices are not fail-proof and suffer from performance degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A pipe repair device comprising a molded sleeve section with a contiguous strike and a molded handle section connected by a living hinge, which can be applied to a damaged pipe by engaging the strike with a draw hook and applying compressive force to lock the device in place, allowing for temporary sealing or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shut-off devices are used, then pipe breakage prevention is attempted, but these devices suffer from fatigue and performance degradation over time, leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe repair device is divided into multiple independent components: a sleeve section that surrounds the pipe, a handle section for applying force, and a cutting element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and replaced if needed, improving overall reliability without extending the entire device's service life requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a disposable emergency repair tool rather than a long-term installation. After use, the entire device is removed and discarded, eliminating the need for long-term durability and maintenance. This approach trades initial cost for eliminating ongoing reliability concerns and replacement costs
2Ease of operation
If a molded sleeve section with living hinge is used, then the device can be applied quickly to damaged pipes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated molded structure. The sleeve section, handle section, and cutting element are combined into one piece with integrated living hinges that provide both structural connection and mechanical advantage. This merging reduces the number of separate components to assemble while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge creates a flexible connection between rigid sections, allowing the device to adapt to different pipe sizes and conditions. The flexible joint enables the handle section to pivot and apply force effectively while the sleeve remains securely positioned on the pipe
3Reliability
If compressive force is applied to lock the device, then the pipe is sealed effectively, but the force required may damage the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with the cutting element positioned and the handle section oriented for optimal force application. The living hinge is pre-stressed to provide mechanical advantage, so that when the user applies force, it is immediately translated into effective sealing pressure without requiring excessive strength from the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The living hinge acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transforms the user's applied force into controlled compressive pressure on the pipe. It provides leverage and force distribution, reducing peak stresses on any single component while achieving the necessary sealing force
Data Source
AI summary
An example shut-off device includes a valve body to surround a section of a pipe and form a chamber about the section of the pipe. The example shut-off device also includes a first flange bearing on a first side of the chamber. The first flange bearing in a closed position forming a first seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a second flange bearing on a second side of the chamber. the second flange bearing in a closed position forming a second seal between the pipe and the chamber. The example shut-off device also includes a cutting blade in the chamber. The cutting blade tightens against the pipe to cut through the pipe and at least partially seals an opening in the cut pipe. The cutting blade is configured to operate as a gate valve.