Remote Plumbing Vent Test Cap Rupture for Safe Roof Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing test cap systems require manual removal from the roof after pressure testing, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies, especially on steep roofs, and can lead to inadequate ventilation and potential leaks during the process.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled system using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a rupturing device to break the test seal on the plumbing vent pipe, allowing for pressure relief without the need for on-site personnel, featuring a rupturable surface and NFC-based location assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of test cap is used, then the test cap can be removed after testing, but safety hazards and inefficiencies occur especially on steep roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated mechanical system. A rupture disk mechanism is installed within the test cap that uses controlled mechanical force to break the seal automatically, eliminating the need for manual roof access and tool-based removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The test cap system performs self-service by incorporating an automatic rupture mechanism that opens the seal without external intervention. The rupture disk is designed to fail at a predetermined pressure threshold, allowing the system to self-regulate and self-open after testing without requiring personnel to climb onto the roof.
2Reliability
If traditional test cap systems are used, then pressure testing can be performed, but inadequate ventilation and potential leaks occur during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the test cap with a rupture disk seal that maintains integrity during testing. The seal is designed to remain intact throughout the pressure testing process, ensuring proper ventilation maintenance, and only ruptures after testing is complete and pressure is equalized, preventing leaks during the critical testing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by designing the rupture disk to respond to pressure differential changes. During testing, the disk maintains its sealed state under test pressure, then ruptures when the pressure differential decreases after testing completion, automatically transitioning from a sealed to an open state to prevent leaks while ensuring ventilation integrity.
3Productivity
If test cap is left in place after inspection, then ventilation is blocked, but removal requires roof access which is unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The test cap system performs self-service by automatically opening itself after pressure testing is complete. The rupture disk mechanism activates without external intervention, eliminating the need for inspectors or plumbers to climb onto the roof for cap removal, thereby maintaining productivity while eliminating safety risks associated with roof access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal operations with an automated mechanical rupture system. The controlled rupture mechanism substitutes for manual tools and human labor on the roof, maintaining the efficiency of the inspection process while eliminating the safety hazards of roof access and manual cap removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for rupturing a test seal part from a vent positioned on a roof of a structure and without requiring a person on site to accomplish the same includes a test seal part, wherein the seal part removably sealably connects to the plumbing vent pipe, and a remote controlled apparatus and/or remote controller directly or indirectly ruptures the test seal part.