Pipeline Closure Adapter for Thread Wear and Door Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline closures face issues with thread degradation, making it difficult to unscrew or tighten, and misalignment of closure doors, which can compromise the integrity and operation of the pipeline.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly that includes a pipeline closure extension and a fastener system, allowing for adjustable alignment and secure attachment to the pipeline hub, minimizing misalignment and leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a threaded closure is used to access pipeline interior structures, then the closure can be removed and reinstalled for maintenance and inspection, but the threads degrade over time making it difficult to unscrew or tighten and causing misalignment of the closure door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of closure removal and reinstallationVSAvoidthread integrity and closure alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into separate components: the closure body with door mechanism and the threaded connection component. This allows the threaded portion to be replaced or adjusted independently when degradation occurs, while preserving the closure body and its alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A threaded adapter or extension component serves as an intermediary between the closure body and the pipeline hub. This intermediary can be replaced without removing the entire closure, and it absorbs the thread degradation issue while maintaining proper closure alignment through integrated alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the closure is tightened multiple times due to thread degradation, then the closure can remain attached, but the tightened position changes causing the closure door to become misaligned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure attachment durationVSAvoidclosure door alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment features such as keyed slots, protrusions, or indexed positions are built into the closure or adapter design before installation. These pre-configured alignment mechanisms ensure that the closure door maintains proper alignment (plumb position) regardless of how many times the closure is tightened or loosened during its service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system incorporates adjustable parameters such as modular adapter lengths or interchangeable threaded components that can be selected or adjusted to compensate for thread wear and maintain proper alignment over extended attachment durations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a replacement closure is installed using degraded threads, then the closure can be attached, but the wear of the threads causes the tightened position to change from previous installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure replacement feasibilityVSAvoidtightened position consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded adapter or connection component is designed as a replaceable, lower-cost element that can be swapped out when thread degradation affects positioning accuracy. This disposable or limited-life component protects the more expensive closure body and maintains measurement precision through periodic replacement of the threaded interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20250334214A1Closure adapter

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP

AI summary

An assembly to coupling a pipeline closure with a pipeline closure hub, the pipeline closure hub including a closure hub opening portion and a coupling portion. The coupling including a pipeline closure extension extending from the pipeline closure. The pipeline extension including a junction portion to abut the closure hub opening portion of the pipeline closure hub and a fastener extending around the closure hub.