Rigid Plug Sealing Mechanism for Plumbing Pressure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for pressure testing plumbing systems, such as using plugs or inflatable test balls, are inefficient in sealing and maintaining pressure, leading to leaks and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A hollow body with multiple pipe connections and a rigid plug with exterior and interior sealing surfaces, along with a plug receiver mechanism, ensures a secure sealing engagement to block fluid flow and maintain pressure within the plumbing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plugs or inflatable test balls are used to block the flow line, then the plumbing system can be sealed for pressure testing, but the sealing is unreliable and leads to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into multiple components: a rigid plug body with sealing surfaces, a shaft for positioning, and a receiver mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the plug body provides sealing, the shaft enables positioning, and the receiver ensures proper installation - thereby improving overall sealing reliability compared to conventional single-piece plugs or inflatable balls.
2Reliability
If conventional plugs are used to block the flow line, then pressure testing can be performed, but pressure maintenance is poor and results are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is pre-positioned on the shaft before insertion into the receiver. This preliminary positioning ensures that the plug is correctly aligned with the sealing surfaces before the actual sealing action occurs, preventing misalignment that would cause pressure loss and ensuring reliable pressure maintenance during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft acts as an intermediary between the installer and the plug, providing precise positioning and control during installation. The receiver serves as an intermediary mechanism that guides the plug into correct alignment with the sealing surfaces, ensuring optimal sealing contact and preventing pressure leakage.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid plug with shaft coupling is used, then precise positioning within the interior cavity is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft coupling serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection between the shaft and plug, enables precise positioning of the plug within the cavity, and allows for easy installation and removal. By making this single component multi-functional, the design achieves precise positioning without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing system has a hollow body defining an interior cavity. At least one interior sealing surface is provided on the body within the interior cavity, encircling one of the pipe connections. A rigid plug is provided having at least one exterior sealing surface. The plug is lowered on a shaft into the interior cavity. A plug receiver receives the plug and positions the at least one exterior sealing surface of the plug into sealing engagement with the at least one interior sealing surface.