SMA Pipe Clamp for Remote Pressurized Flow Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clamping devices for pressurized gas and fluid flow through plastic pipes are heavy and difficult to deploy, lacking a lightweight and easy-to-use solution for remote operation in flammable environments and requiring improved safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing Nickel Titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators that undergo thermal cycling to deform and clamp plastic pipes, allowing for remote operation and safe deployment, with embodiments featuring SMA tubes, rotary motors, and multi-tube designs for efficient clamping and release mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or powered clamps are used to shutoff gas or fluid flow through pressure pipe, then the clamping function is achieved, but the devices are heavy and difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (manual screws, hydraulic actuators, electric motors) with a shape memory alloy (SMA)-based actuation system. The SMA elements undergo phase transformation from austenite to martensite when cooled, generating sufficient force to close the clamp around the pipe without requiring heavy external power sources or complex mechanical transmission mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device weight and simplifying deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes temperature as a control parameter to activate the clamping function. By changing the temperature of the shape memory alloy elements (cooling them to trigger phase transformation), the clamp transitions from an open to a closed state. This parameter-based actuation eliminates the need for heavy mechanical actuation systems and enables remote or automated deployment in difficult-to-access locations.
2Ease of operation
If traditional powered mechanisms are used for clamping, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but the devices are complex and difficult to deploy remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a thermally-driven shape memory alloy actuation system. The SMA elements directly generate the clamping force through phase transformation, eliminating the need for motors, gearboxes, linkages, and other complex mechanical components. This simplification enables remote deployment via simple thermal activation methods such as ice packs or compressed air cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy elements are pre-positioned within the clamp structure during manufacturing. When activated by temperature change, they automatically generate the force needed to close and secure the clamp around the pipe, without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex control systems. The system essentially activates itself through the phase transformation property of the SMA material.
3Weight of moving object
If shape memory alloy actuators are used for clamping, then the device becomes lightweight and easy to deploy, but the mechanism requires thermal cycling for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with a thermal actuation system based on shape memory alloy phase transformation. The SMA elements are integrated directly into the clamp structure, and thermal cycling is achieved through simple external means such as applying ice packs, compressed air, or other cooling methods to the SMA elements. This approach maintains lightweight construction while using readily available thermal activation methods rather than complex mechanical or electrical systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables lightweight, safe, and efficient clamping and release of pressurized fluid flow, suitable for remote operation without sparking, and adaptable for both temporary and permanent closures.
Implementation Method 1
SMAs experience a reversible shape change from a martensite state to an austenite state as a result of a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
Once set and cooled back to its martensite state the element retains the set shape, As. The SMA element is then mechanically deformed. It will hold the new deformed shape, the martensite start shape (Ms), until heated to the austenite start temperature (Tas)
Implementation Method 3
As the element cools below the martensite start temperature (Tms) it will begin to revert to the martensite start shape, Ms, finally obtaining that shape at the martensite finish temperature (Tmf)
Data Source
AI summary
This present invention utilizes a shape memory alloy (SMA) to improve on prior art in the design of clamps used for shut off, squeeze off, of plastic pipe which transmits gas or fluid under pressure. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention incorporates SMAs as actuators to simplify and improve clamp design for squeeze off of plastic pipe that is used in the transmission of pressurized gas and fluid. This invention may be deployed and operated remotely by the user. This present invention relates specifically to the application of trained SMA tubes, rods, bars, and beams as actuators for clamping and squeeze off of plastic pipe and tubing used to transmit gas or fluid.