Plug Member with Internal Groove for Automated Pipe Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug member mounting and dismounting devices interfere with automation of thread cutting processes due to difficulties in removing shavings and require complex drive mechanisms, leading to increased cycle time and interference with nearby tooling pockets.
Innovation Solution
A plug member design with a reciprocating shuttle and biasing spring, combined with a tubular holding body and conical rod, allows for automated alignment and mounting/dismounting without shaving entanglement, using ball-receiving holes and moving mechanisms for precise engagement and disengagement with the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a grip projects from the plug member towards the pipe end for mounting/dismounting, then the plug member can be mechanized for mounting and dismounting, but shavings wrap around the grip making it difficult to grasp and remove the plug member
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the grip (shaving entanglement) is eliminated by removing the traditional external grip structure. Instead, the plug member body itself is designed with an internal groove structure that serves as the gripping interface, extracting the problematic external protrusion while retaining the mounting/dismounting function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a protruding grip on the external surface of the plug member, the gripping interface is inverted to be located on the internal surface of the plug member body. The mounting and dismounting device grasps the plug member from the inside through the groove structure, reversing the traditional external gripping approach.
2Reliability
If the plug member is removed with shavings wrapped around the grip, then the mounting and dismounting device cannot grasp the grip with certainty, but complete removal is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful shaving entanglement is eliminated by removing the external grip structure that protrudes into the pipe. The internal groove structure prevents shavings from wrapping around, ensuring the gripping interface remains clean and reliable for automated mounting and dismounting operations.
3Extent of automation
If the mounting and dismounting device is installed in a pocket of a turret, then mounting and dismounting can be performed, but two movements (translation and rotation) are required increasing time and drive mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The plug member body is designed with dual functionality: it provides both the sealing function (through the external seal member) and the gripping function (through the internal groove structure). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gripping mechanisms and simplifies the mounting and dismounting device structure.
4Extent of automation
If the mounting and dismounting device is installed in a turret pocket, then plug member operations can be performed, but nearby pockets are interfered with and cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful interference with nearby pockets is eliminated by removing the traditional external grip structure that occupies space and interferes with adjacent tooling. The internal groove structure achieves the same mounting/dismounting function without external protrusions, freeing up space for other tooling pockets.
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
Enables complete prevention of shaving entanglement, automates plug member mounting and dismounting, reduces cycle time, and allows simultaneous alignment and mounting, preventing interference with other tooling pockets.
Implementation Method 1
a shuttle biasing spring having one end secured to the cap and the other end secured to the shuttle, and producing a spring pressing force on the shuttle towards the proximal end when the shuttle moves from the predetermined position towards the distal end
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A plug member can be mounted to the end of a pipe and removed therefrom by automated operation. A mounting and dismounting device 21 for mounting and dismounting a plug member 11 with respect to an oil country tubular good P. The plug member 11 comprises an outer tube 12 having seal portions 16a and 16b and a circumferential groove 12a, a shuttle 13, a cap 14, and a shuttle biasing spring 15 secured to the cap 14 and the shuttle 13. The mounting and dismounting device 21 comprises a tubular holding body 22, a rod 23 which has a conical end portion 23a and which is disposed so as to move inside the tubular holding body 22, and moving means 24 and 25 which allow the tubular holding body 22 and the rod 23 to independently move. The tubular holding body 22 has ball-receiving holes 22a into which fit balls 26 which engage with the circumferential groove 12a. The tubular holding body 22 is inserted into the outer tube 12 through the proximal end of the tube so as to make its tip contact the end surface of the shuttle on the side of the proximal end, and the rod 23 is moved relative to the tubular holding body 22 so as to contact its end portion 23a with the balls 26 to make the balls 26 engage with the circumferential groove 12a, thereby connecting the tubular holding body 22 and the outer tube 12. The rod is moved relative to the tubular holding body 22 to retract the end portion 23a, thereby releasing the connection between the tubular holding body 22 and the outer tube 12.