Pipeline Plug Gripper Assembly With Wedge-Driven Radial Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline isolation technologies face challenges in efficiently and reliably isolating sections of pipelines during maintenance, repairs, or pressure testing, as they often require complex equipment and may not provide secure fluid isolation.

Innovation Solution

The development of a gripper assembly that includes an actuator plate, a bowl, and circumferential wedge sets, which work together to securely engage with the pipeline, providing radial expansion to hold the pipeline plug in place and ensure fluid isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pipeline plug is introduced to isolate pipeline sections, then fluid isolation is achieved, but the plug may move or fail to secure isolation under pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid isolation reliabilityVSAvoidisolation device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper assembly employs dynamic wedge elements that can move and expand radially to grip the pipeline. The wedges are designed to transition from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state for secure gripping, allowing the device to adapt to pressure conditions while maintaining isolation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper assembly is divided into multiple independent wedge elements (typically three wedges spaced circumferentially) that can operate independently to grip the pipeline. This segmentation allows each wedge to engage with the pipeline surface separately, providing distributed gripping force and improving overall reliability without requiring a monolithic complex structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex equipment is used for pipeline isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but the equipment becomes difficult to operate and deploy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation capabilityVSAvoiddeployment simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge elements are designed to automatically expand and grip the pipeline upon insertion. The radial expansion mechanism is self-actuating, utilizing the insertion motion itself to trigger the gripping action without requiring external actuation systems, thereby maintaining simple deployment while achieving reliable isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper assembly utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic pressure differentials to actuate the wedge expansion. Pressure applied during insertion automatically drives the wedges radially outward to engage the pipeline, converting the insertion force directly into gripping force without complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Force

If the pipeline plug is secured with gripping mechanisms, then the plug holds in place, but the gripping force may cause pipeline damage or leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping forceVSAvoidpipeline damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge elements are designed with localized gripping surfaces that contact specific portions of the pipeline. The contact area and pressure distribution are optimized to concentrate gripping force where needed while distributing it sufficiently to prevent localized damage, achieving secure holding without compromising pipeline integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping force parameters are controlled through the wedge geometry and material properties. By adjusting the wedge angle, surface area, and elastic modulus, the system achieves optimal gripping force that is sufficient to prevent plug movement under pressure but remains below the threshold that would cause pipeline deformation or damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 gripper assembly effectively isolates pipeline sections by securely gripping the pipeline, allowing for reliable maintenance, repairs, and pressure testing without leaks or movement issues.

Implementation Method 1

moving the first and second circumferential wedges substantially circumferentially toward the gripper body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWedge mechanism: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

moving the gripper body radially outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS12292151B2Gripper assembly for pipeline isolation tool and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 TDW DELAWARE INC

AI summary

A gripper assembly for a pipeline plug includes an actuator plate that includes at least two actuator wedges, a bowl that includes at least two bowl wedges, circumferential wedge sets, and gripper units. Each circumferential wedge set and gripper unit is positioned between the actuator plate and the bowl. Each circumferential wedge set includes a first circumferential wedge and a second circumferential wedge. Each circumferential wedge set is positioned such that an actuator wedge and a bowl wedge engage between the first and second circumferential wedges. Each gripper unit includes a gripper body positioned between and abutting a first circumferential wedge of a first circumferential wedge set and a second circumferential wedge of a second circumferential wedge set. Linear compression between the actuator plate and bowl causes circumferential movement of the circumferential wedges, which in turn causes radial expansion of the gripper units.