Utility Service Line Cutting and Plugging Without Supply Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility service line servicing requires shutting off the upstream supply, causing inconvenience during repairs or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A service tool with a clamping mechanism, cutting blade, and plugging mechanism that allows cutting and plugging of utility service lines without interrupting the upstream supply by using a hub to align and dispense a plug into the cut portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upstream water supply is turned off to allow cutting and repair of the utility service line, then the service or repair can be performed safely, but service continuity is interrupted causing inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The utility service line is divided into two segments: the upstream portion that remains active and the downstream portion that is isolated and repaired. The cutting mechanism separates the line at the service location, allowing independent servicing of the downstream segment while the upstream segment continues to supply service to other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
A plug is introduced as an intermediary element to seal the downstream end of the utility service line after cutting. This plug acts as a mediator that maintains the integrity and pressure of the upstream water supply while allowing the downstream portion to be safely serviced or replaced without affecting the upstream flow.
2Ease of repair
If the utility service line is cut for repair, then the damaged portion can be replaced, but the upstream supply must be shut off causing inconvenience to neighboring buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is prepared and positioned in advance within the tool assembly before the cutting operation. After the utility service line is cut, the plug is immediately deployed to seal the downstream end, eliminating the need for upstream shutdown. This preliminary preparation of the sealing mechanism enables continuous upstream operation during repair activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism and plugging mechanism are combined into a single integrated tool assembly. This merging of functions allows the operator to perform both cutting and plugging operations in sequence without removing the tool from the service line, thereby maintaining upstream supply continuity and simplifying the overall repair process.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional cutting and plugging method is used requiring upstream shutdown, then the repair can be completed, but time is lost due to service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The upstream water supply maintains continuous flow throughout the repair process. The tool assembly remains in place on the service line, performing cutting and plugging operations without requiring shutdown of the upstream supply. This continuity of useful action eliminates downtime associated with service interruption and accelerates the repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool assembly is designed with movable and adjustable components that can adapt to the service line during operation. The cutting blade can rotate to cut through the line, and the plug can be dynamically deployed and secured. These dynamic operations occur while the upstream supply remains active, reducing overall repair time and maintaining service continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A service tool for cutting and plugging a utility service line has a body with a receiving portion configured to receive the utility service line and a clamping mechanism movable relative to the body and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an outer circumference of the utility service line. The service tool further includes a cutting blade disposed in the receiving portion and configured to engage the outer circumference of the utility service line and cut the utility service line into a first cut portion and a second cut portion as the cutting blade is rotated about a cutting axis relative to the body. The service tool further has a hub associated with the body. The hub includes a plugging mechanism configured to displace the first cut portion of the utility service line and dispense a plug into the second cut portion of the utility service line.