Sliding Pipe Isolation Heads for Double Sealing and Leak Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe isolation devices are cumbersome and prone to failure due to pivoting arms, and they do not effectively accommodate a wide range of pipe sizes and pressurized fluids during maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe isolation device featuring a control bar head and two sliding sealing heads that traverse a right angle to form multiple seals within a pipe, with sliding engagements allowing for linear travel and concentric orientation, and a locking mechanism for secure positioning, enabling efficient isolation and bleeding of leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pivoting arms are used in pipe isolation devices, then the device can accommodate various pipe configurations, but the device becomes more complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pivoting arm mechanism entirely from the pipe isolation device. Instead of using complex articulated arms to navigate the pipe, the invention uses a simple linearly movable sealing element that slides directly along the pipe interior. This extraction of the problematic pivoting mechanism eliminates the complexity and failure points while maintaining the ability to isolate pipes of various configurations through the linear sliding action of the sealing element.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a complex mechanism to adapt the sealing element to pipe configurations (as in traditional pivoting arm designs), the invention inverts the approach by using a simple linear sliding element that naturally conforms to the pipe's geometry through its straightforward radial movement. The simplicity of the linear path replaces the complexity of articulated joints, achieving adaptability through simplicity rather than through mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing heads are used to provide double isolation, then reliability improves, but device complexity and equipment needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sealing heads into a single integrated sealing element. Instead of using separate first and second sealing heads that require independent actuation and positioning, the invention employs one sealing element with a linear movement path that achieves the same double isolation effect. This merging reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the actuation mechanism while maintaining the reliability of isolating the pipe section.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sealing element in the patent performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate sealing heads. It provides both the primary isolation function and the secondary isolation function, while also serving as its own actuation mechanism through linear sliding. This multi-functional design reduces equipment needs while maintaining the reliability benefits of double isolation.
3Ease of operation
If a compact design is used to reduce equipment needs, then ease of operation improves, but the device may not accommodate wide range of pipe sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linear sliding mechanism that allows the sealing element to move radially along a predetermined linear path. This dynamic movement enables the same compact sealing element to adapt to different pipe sizes and configurations without requiring multiple specialized components. The linear path geometry can be adjusted to match different pipe orientations and sizes, providing versatility while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the linear sliding path to accommodate different pipe sizes and orientations. By modifying the angle, length, and curvature of the linear path, the same basic sealing element design can be adapted to various pipe configurations. This parameter adjustment approach maintains the compact, simple design while achieving broad adaptability across different pipe sizes and types.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe isolation device and method of using the same. The pipe isolation device includes a control bar head, a first sealing head, and a second sealing head. The first sealing head has a first seal element and a first sliding engagement. The first sliding engagement permits the first sealing head to slide relative to the control bar head along a first fixed path and traverse a right angle to gain access to an interior space of a pipe. The second sealing head has a second seal element and a second sliding engagement. The second sliding engagement permits the second sliding head to slide relative to the first sealing head along a second fixed path and traverse the right angle to gain access to an interior space of the pipe.