Pipeline Plug Insertion Depth Control With Shim-Guided Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for sealing pressurized fluid conduits under load suffer from imprecision in inflatable plug insertion, leading to potential leaks due to reading errors and unfavorable lighting conditions, which can distort the identification of the shaft travel.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of an insertion tool with a set of shims to control the insertion depth of an inflatable plug, ensuring precise positioning by using shims with specific heights to define the insertion depth, and an adapter to enhance sealing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual markers on the shaft are used to check insertion of the shutter, then the insertion process becomes simpler, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to reading parallax effect and reading errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion process simplicityVSAvoidinsertion depth measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual/optical measurement system (markers read by eye) with a mechanical measurement system (graduated scale with cursor and vernier scale). This substitution eliminates reading parallax errors and improves measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through the mechanical indicator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a precise mechanical copy of the measurement system through the graduated scale and cursor assembly, which replicates the measurement function without the errors of visual interpretation. The vernier scale provides a copied reference system that enables accurate reading of insertion depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If visual markers are used for shaft travel identification, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to reading errors and unfavorable light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker system simplicityVSAvoidinsertion depth identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable visual marker system with a reliable mechanical measurement system consisting of graduated scales and cursors. This mechanical system provides consistent, accurate measurements independent of lighting conditions and eliminates human reading errors while maintaining acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If an inflatable plug is inserted into the pipe, then the pipe sealing function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases to prevent leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinsertion depth precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a precise mechanical measurement system with graduated scales and vernier cursors to control and verify insertion depth. This enables the operator to achieve the required manufacturing precision for proper plug positioning, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining the simplicity of the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The method ensures precise control of the inflatable plug insertion, reducing the risk of leaks and enhancing the sealing process by adapting to different pipe diameters and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a step of inflating the inflatable plug, thus making it possible to plug the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP4621276A1Method for plugging a pipeline associated plugging kit

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 GRDF

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for sealing a pipe (10), and to a kit for sealing this pipe, the Pipe Sealing Kit (10), comprising: - a sealing tool which comprises a main section inside which is formed a bore which extends, in a main direction, from a stop end (111) towards a coupling end (112), an insertion pole (120) provided with a shaft (121) in sliding pivot connection with the bore, and which extends in the main direction from a handling end (122) towards an insertion end (123), the shaft (121) comprising a shaft stop (124) arranged between the handling end (122) arranged and the stop end, a shutter (91.92, 93) being arranged in the extension of the insertion end (123) downstream of the coupling end (112) in the main direction; - a set of at least two shims having, for each shim, a height H which is specific to it, each shim being configured to be inserted between the shaft stop (124) and the stop end (111) so as to define an insertion depth of the shutter.