Pipeline Plugging Head With Axial Disc Compression Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugging machines for medium-diameter pipelines are complex, unreliable, and prone to leakage due to reduced dimensions, making them inefficient for sealing and handling fluid pressure without interrupting service or dispersing pollutants.
Innovation Solution
A compact, rigid plugging machine with an inclined rigid tube and a sealing mechanism featuring a stationary and movable disc with a trapezoidal elastomeric sealing ring, controlled by a control rod with sloping sliders and a threading mechanism, ensuring axial movement and optimal sealing without the need for complex mechanical solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical means are used to control inclination and movement of the plugging head, then functional validity is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases in medium-dimension pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex inclination control means from the plugging head assembly. By removing these unnecessary mechanical components, the device achieves better reliability in medium-dimension pipelines while reducing overall complexity. The sealing function is achieved through a simpler direct axial insertion mechanism rather than through complex inclined movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical means to control inclination and then achieve sealing, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple axial insertion followed by disc movement. The sealing is achieved by moving the discs close together along the axial direction, rather than by controlling the inclination of the plugging head, thus simplifying the mechanism while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plugging machine dimensions are reduced for medium pipelines, then adaptability is improved, but strength and reliability characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function in a specific localized area between the two discs, rather than relying on the overall size and complexity of the entire plugging machine. The sealing ring and disc assembly are designed to provide sufficient sealing force locally, enabling the device to adapt to medium-dimension pipelines while maintaining adequate strength through focused structural design at the sealing interface.
3Reliability
If complex means are used to move discs close together for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of disc movement control and sealing into a single integrated mechanism. The same axial movement that positions the plugging head also drives the discs close together through the connected shanks. This combination of functions eliminates the need for separate complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining sealing effectiveness while significantly improving ease of operation.
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 device provides a strong, stable, and efficient sealing solution that is easy to handle and install, maintaining pipeline integrity under pressure while minimizing operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing ring of elastomeric material with a trapezoidal cross-section interposed between the stationary and movable discs and configured to expand radially outward when an axial compression is exerted on the stationary and moveable discs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
This inventions relates to a plugging machine (100) and a rigid tube (2) provided with a stationary disc (3) integral with the bottom of the tube (2) and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube (2), with a movable disc (4) paired with the stationary disc (3). A dealing ring (50) of a resilient material is located between the discs (3, 4) and compressed when the movable disc (4) is pressed against the stationary disc (3) to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline (200). The sealing ring (50) is coaxial with respect to the pipeline (200). The movement of the movable disc (4) is determined by raising or lowering a control rod (6) within the tube (2) by means of sloping sliders (70) made in the lower portion of the rod (6) which engage in respective grooves (44), likewise sloping, made in an axial shank (40) associated with the movable disc (4) and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc (3). A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs (3,4). The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring (82) engaging in a threading mate at the top (6A) of the rod (6).