Pipe Unplugging Drill with Nitrogen Inerting and Bronze Blade
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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, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A drill apparatus with a bevel gear and worm gear system, a bronze drill blade, and a nitrogen gas supply to prevent sparks, allowing for safe and stable removal of plugging with minimal force, even in the presence of combustible gases or liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a welding rod is used to remove plugging from a pipe, then the plugging can be broken and removed, but static electricity is generated causing sparks that may ignite combustible gas or liquid in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding rod method with a drill apparatus that uses mechanical drilling action to remove plugging. The drill blade rotates and drills into the plugging material, breaking it up without generating sparks. This substitutes a potentially hazardous mechanical impact method with a controlled rotational drilling mechanism that eliminates the fire risk while maintaining plugging removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nitrogen gas into the pipe before and during the plugging removal operation. The nitrogen gas displaces the combustible atmosphere inside the pipe, creating an inert environment that prevents ignition even if sparks were to occur. This allows the use of the drill apparatus to proceed safely by eliminating the oxygen needed for combustion.
2Ease of operation
If conventional plugging removal methods are used in the presence of combustible gas or liquid, then plugging can be removed, but the risk of fire or explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by introducing nitrogen gas into the pipe before the plugging removal operation begins. This pre-preparation creates a safe inert atmosphere in advance, ensuring that when the drill apparatus is subsequently inserted and operated, the combustible gas or liquid cannot ignite. The safety measure is established beforehand rather than during the actual plugging removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen gas acts as an intermediary substance between the drill apparatus and the combustible atmosphere. It mediates the interaction by displacing the oxygen and combustible mixture, creating a buffer that prevents direct contact between potential ignition sources and the flammable environment. This intermediary layer enables safe operation of the drilling equipment.
3Force
If a drill blade is used to break plugging, then plugging can be removed with small force, but the drill blade must be precisely controlled to prevent sparks and ensure accurate removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of the drill blade into two independent functional systems: a bevel gear mechanism for controlling up-and-down motion and a worm gear mechanism for controlling rotation. This segmentation allows each gear system to specialize in one type of motion control, making the overall device more manageable despite the increased complexity. The separation of translational and rotational control functions enables precise independent adjustment of each motion type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities by allowing the drill blade to perform both up-and-down reciprocating motion and rotational motion simultaneously or independently. The bevel gear and worm gear systems enable the operator to dynamically adjust the drill blade's position and rotation speed according to the specific plugging conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the drill to handle various plugging scenarios with optimized force application.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for stably removing plugging even in a state in which combustible gas or liquid remains in a pipe and precisely removing plugging even using small force.