Dual-Interface Sewer Cap Socket for Even Torque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing sewer caps from sewer lines are inefficient and unsafe, often causing damage to the caps and lines due to slipping and uneven torque application, and pose a risk of personal injury.
Innovation Solution
A dual-interface sewer cap removal socket with a base plate, upper, and lower walls of varying sizes and shapes, integrated with a socket interface and made of durable materials like aluminum, allowing for safe and effective removal with a socket wrench or breaker bar, distributing torque evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable water pump pliers are used to remove sewer caps, then the tool is readily available and easy to use, but the pliers slip or slide off the sewer cap causing damage to the sewer line and cap, and can injure the user's fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The sewer cap removal tool segments the contact interface by providing multiple distinct contact surfaces (first interface on upper wall, second interface on lower wall) that distribute the gripping force across different locations on the sewer cap, preventing slippage and concentration of force that causes damage
Solution Approach 2:
The tool applies local quality by creating specific geometric interfaces (square-shaped with rounded corners) that match the sewer cap geometry, ensuring proper engagement and torque distribution at specific contact points rather than relying on general gripping surfaces
2Force
If adjustable pipe wrenches are used to remove sewer caps, then adequate torque can be applied, but the wrenches are exceptionally large, bulky, and heavy, and cannot be used when the sewer cap is in a hard to reach location
Solution Approach 1:
The tool transitions from the traditional linear leverage dimension of pipe wrenches to a rotational socket interface dimension, allowing torque application through a compact hexagonal or square aperture that accepts standard socket wrenches and breaker bars, reducing tool size while maintaining adequate torque capability
3Productivity
If traditional methods apply torque to two places on the sewer cap, then the removal process can begin, but the uneven pressure increases the breakage risk along the surface areas between these two points
Solution Approach 1:
The tool segments the torque application into multiple distinct interfaces (first and second interfaces) positioned at different locations on the sewer cap, distributing the mechanical stress across these segmented contact points to prevent concentration of force and reduce breakage risk in intermediate areas
Solution Approach 2:
The tool creates equipotential stress distribution by positioning multiple contact interfaces around the sewer cap perimeter, ensuring more uniform pressure distribution across the cap surface during torque application, similar to how equipotential surfaces distribute electrical potential evenly
Data Source
AI summary
A sewer cap removal socket. The sewer cap removal socket includes a base plate. The base plate is defined by a first side oppositely disposed of a second side. An upper wall extends from the first side of the base plate. The upper wall forms a first interface. A lower wall extends from the second side of the base plate, opposite of the upper wall. The lower wall defines a second interface. An aperture is disposed in the base plate.