Sealing Plug With Integrated Marking Gauge for Pipe Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sealing and marking pipe fittings are laborious and prone to errors, leading to incorrect insertion depths during installation, as installers often forego marking due to the complexity of using rulers or folding meters.
Innovation Solution
A closure plug with a retaining element and integrated marking gauge that allows for easy marking of the insertion depth, featuring a tab element for easy removal and a non-positive connection to the pipe, reducing the need for additional tools and minimizing the risk of accidental removal during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ruler or folding tape measure is used to mark insertion depth, then the marking can be applied, but the process becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The marking gauge is integrated directly into the sealing plug structure, combining the sealing function with the marking function. The marking gauge includes a marking edge with a pen groove and a stop surface that is part of the sealing plug itself, eliminating the need for separate measuring tools and simplifying the marking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plug serves multiple functions: it seals the pipe opening during transport and installation, and simultaneously provides a built-in marking gauge for marking the insertion depth. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate marking tools and reduces the number of steps required.
2Ease of operation
If the sealing plug is easily removable from the pipe, then installation efficiency improves, but the risk of accidental removal during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to provide strong retention during transport but can be easily released during installation. The element can be deformed or disengaged with simple manual action, allowing the sealing plug to transition from a securely retained state to an easily removable state.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed as a separate component that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to be engaged during transport and easily disengaged during installation without affecting the overall sealing plug structure.
3Productivity
If the installer omits the marking step to save time, then installation speed increases, but errors in insertion depth occur
Solution Approach 1:
The marking gauge is pre-positioned on the sealing plug at a specific distance from the front surface. When the sealing plug is removed from the pipe, the marking gauge automatically positions the marking tool to mark the correct insertion depth on the pipe, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing plug with integrated marking gauge performs the marking function automatically without requiring the installer to use separate measuring tools or perform calculations. The system is self-sufficient, providing both sealing and precise marking functions through the same component.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Sealing plug (1) for closing a pipe (2) comprising a plug section (3) extending around a central axis (M) with at least one retaining element (4), which plug section (3) projects into the pipe (2) in the connected state with the pipe (2), wherein a force-fit connection between sealing plug (1) and the inside of the pipe (5) can be provided with the at least one retaining element (4), and a marking gauge (15) with which a marking (16), in particular for the insertion depth of a fitting, can be applied to the outside of the pipe (17).