Field-Customizable Inflatable Purge Dam With Quick-Disconnect Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable purge dams are not easily repairable, and they are not suitable for non-standard pipe installations or applications where only one bladder is needed, as they are typically sold in fixed sizes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A field-customizable inflatable purge dam apparatus featuring detachable quick-disconnect couplers and adjustable bridge conduits allows for the combination of different purge bladders and conduits of varying lengths, enabling customization for specific pipe diameters and installation requirements, including the option to use a single bladder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional inflatable purge dams are assembled in a fixed configuration, then manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but repairability and adaptability to non-standard installations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The purge dam assembly is divided into separable components: bladders can be detached from the bridge conduit using quick-disconnect couplers. This segmentation allows individual bladders to be replaced without discarding the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and repairability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, permanently assembled configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable assembly. Quick-disconnect couplers enable the bridge conduit to be rapidly reconfigured with different bladder combinations, allowing the system to adapt to various repair scenarios and non-standard installations.
2Ease of manufacture
If purge dams are manufactured in fixed sizes and configurations, then production costs are reduced, but versatility for different pipe installations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components (bridge conduit, quick-disconnect couplers, bladders of various sizes) that can be independently manufactured at standard sizes and then combined in different configurations to meet specific installation requirements, maintaining production efficiency while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge conduit with quick-disconnect couplers serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of bladders (different sizes, single or dual configurations). This universal interface allows one base assembly to perform multiple functions across different pipe installations, resolving the contradiction between production simplicity and adaptability.
3Strength
If the bridge conduit is permanently connected to bladders, then structural integrity is maintained, but field customization and repair are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
Quick-disconnect couplers serve as intermediary components between the bridge conduit and bladders. These couplers provide a mechanically robust connection that maintains structural integrity during operation, while simultaneously enabling rapid field customization and repair by allowing easy attachment and detachment of different bladder configurations.
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
This solution allows for easy repair or replacement of bladders, accommodates non-standard pipe sizes, and supports applications requiring only one bladder, enhancing flexibility and reducing the need for new assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The bridge conduit comprises a gas flow passage therein, and may provide fluid communication between the first gas-receiving chamber and the second gas-receiving chamber
Implementation Method 2
First and second quick-disconnect couplers are provided for detachably connecting the bridge conduit to the first and second purge bladders, respectively
Implementation Method 3
The purge gas delivery tube is apertured inside the inflatable bladders so that the bladders will inflate when a purge gas 'PG' is introduced
Data Source
AI summary
A field-customizable inflatable purge dam apparatus for welding includes first and/or second inflatable purge bladders. A bridge conduit extends between the purge bladders. First and second quick-disconnect couplers are provided for detachably connecting the bridge conduit to the first and second purge bladders, respectively. The quick-disconnect couplers allow the bridge conduit to be selectively attached to, and detached from, one or both of the first and second purge bladders. The purge dam apparatus can be field-customized by combining the bridge conduit with one or more different purge bladders. Alternatively, the purge bladders may be selectively combined with one or more different bridge conduits. In another aspect, one end of the bridge conduit may be detachably connected to a single inflatable purge bladder, and the other end of the bridge conduit may be adapted to connect to a purge gas source. Various purge dam apparatus sub-assemblies may also be provided.