Pipeline Plug Locking Blades for Stronger Groove Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug coupling mechanisms for pipeline fittings provide limited mechanical resistance and require complex, effortful maneuvers due to suboptimal alignment and engagement with the annular groove.
Innovation Solution
A device with two locking blades having sector-shaped outer edges, guided by parallel slots, allows synchronized translation into and out of the annular groove for enhanced mechanical resistance and ease of operation using a simple rotational tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If semicircular plates with arcuate edges are used to engage the annular groove, then the plug can be freely introduced and extracted, but the mechanical coupling is only partial and mechanical resistance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single semicircular plate is divided into two separate locking blades, each with its own arcuate edge. This segmentation allows each blade to independently engage with the annular groove, distributing the mechanical load and improving overall coupling strength while maintaining ease of operation through synchronized movement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blades are designed with different curvature radii: the arcuate edges have a first radius of curvature that matches the annular groove, while the bottom of the blades has a second, larger radius of curvature. This local quality variation ensures optimal engagement at the contact points while maintaining structural integrity and ease of insertion
2Ease of operation
If the radius of curvature of the arcuate edges matches the external circumference of the plug, then the plug can be freely introduced, but the coupling with the annular groove is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking blades feature a dual-radius design where the arcuate edges have a first radius of curvature matching the annular groove for precise alignment and engagement, while the bottom of the blades has a second, larger radius of curvature that facilitates easy introduction. This local differentiation of geometric properties resolves the contradiction between precise coupling and ease of insertion
3Reliability
If complex cam mechanisms with elastic members are used for expansion movement, then the plug can be locked, but the device complexity increases and operational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex cam mechanism and elastic members are completely removed from the design. Instead, the invention uses simple locking blades with arcuate edges that engage directly with the annular groove through synchronized translation, achieving reliable locking without the need for complex expansion mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The locking blades are designed to automatically engage with the annular groove through their geometric shape alone. The arcuate edges naturally guide the blades into proper alignment and engagement with the groove, eliminating the need for external cam mechanisms or elastic members to enforce the locking action
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (1) allows the locking of a plug (2) to a fitting (30) and comprises: two locking blades (10), having the outer edge (10B) in an arc of circumference, arranged symmetrically opposite and coplanar to a annular groove (31) of the plug (2), sliding parallel to the latter; actuation means (4) defined by a toothed pinion (13) with which two racks (120) provided in the locking blades (10) are engaged, determining for the same corresponding and synchronized translations in opposite directions, so that the arched edges (10B) are displaced outwards to engage said annular groove (31), locking the plug (2) to the fitting (3). The toothed pinion (13) has a hexagonal head (130) at the top which is engaged by an operating member 15.