Pipe Fitting Plug Removal Tool With Opposing Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plugs with deformable bodies installed in pipe fittings for fluid interception often become difficult to remove due to interference with the piping or pipe fitting, causing complications during fluid flow restoration or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A plug system with a second threaded portion having an opposite screwing direction to the first threaded portion, paired with a tool featuring a threaded portion that matches the second threaded portion of the plug, allowing for secure constrainment and easy removal by rotating the operating shaft in the same direction to unscrew the plug from the pipe fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable plug is installed in a pipe fitting to intercept fluid flow, then fluid interception is achieved, but the plug becomes difficult to remove due to interference with the piping or pipe fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into two functional parts: a deformable body for fluid interception and a supporting body with threaded portions for installation and removal. The supporting body includes a first threaded portion for engagement with the pipe fitting and a second threaded portion for engagement with the removing tool, allowing the plug to be segmented into functional zones that address both interception and removal needs
Solution Approach 2:
A removing tool with a threaded portion matching the second threaded portion of the plug serves as an intermediary device. This tool engages with the plug's second threaded portion to provide constrained removal, preventing the plug from becoming detached or lost during extraction while overcoming the interference problems caused by the deformable body
2Reliability
If the plug is securely constrained in the pipe fitting to prevent leakage, then sealing reliability is improved, but the plug cannot be easily extracted for maintenance or flow restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting body is provided with a second threaded portion before the plug is installed in the pipe fitting. This preliminary preparation of the removal interface allows a removing tool to engage with the plug later, enabling easy extraction when maintenance or flow restoration is needed, without compromising the initial sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the deformable body, engages with the pipe fitting via the first threaded portion for installation, and engages with the removing tool via the second threaded portion for removal. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both secure constraint and easy extraction requirements
3Reliability
If the deformable body is compressed to intercept fluid flow, then fluid interception is achieved, but the deformable body interferes with the piping or pipe fitting during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful interference effect is extracted and isolated to the deformable body, which is contained within the supporting body. The supporting body with its threaded portions provides a controlled interface for removal that prevents the deformable body from interfering with the piping or pipe fitting during extraction, as the supporting body guides the removal process
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the plug have different properties: the deformable body provides local deformation for fluid interception, while the supporting body provides structural integrity and threaded engagement surfaces. This local differentiation allows the deformable body to perform its function without causing interference during removal, as the supporting body manages the removal interface
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 safe, simple, and effective extraction of the plug from the pipe fitting without separation risks, overcoming the challenges of deformable body interference and facilitating fluid flow restoration.
Implementation Method 1
a plug provided with at least one deformable body (11) and at least one respective supporting body (14)
Implementation Method 2
at least one first threaded portion (12) suitable to cooperate with at least one threaded portion (51) of the pipe fitting (50), in which it is installed, and at least one second threaded portion (13) having its screwing direction opposite to the screwing direction of the first threaded portion (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A tool (1) and a plug (10) cooperating with each other in a system for removing the plug from a pipe fitting (50) are described. The system comprises a plug (10) provided with at least one deformable body (11) and at least one respective supporting body (14) comprising a first threaded portion (12) that is suitable to cooperate with at least one threaded portion (51) of the pipe fitting (50) in which it is installed, and at least one second threaded portion (13) having its screwing direction opposite to the screwing direction of the first threaded portion (12). The system also comprises a tool (1) provided with a main body (2) to which an operating shaft (3) is coupled, the latter being axially translatable and rotatable with respect to the main body, the operating shaft being also provided with means (3b) for its setting in rotation and/or translation. The operating shaft (3) comprises at least one threaded portion (4) that has the same screwing direction of the second threaded portion (13) of the plug (10) and that is suitable to cooperate with the second threaded portion (13) of the plug (10).