Split Branch Pipe Coupling With Valve Lid for Leak-Safe Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing branch pipe forming apparatuses suffer from decreased operating efficiency due to welding joints, potential water leakage from flanged connections, and time-consuming lid attachment processes, which are exacerbated by earthquakes or vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A branch pipe forming apparatus with split members connected by a fastening member, allowing for sealed fitting and easy attachment of a drilling machine, featuring a cutter accommodation space and a tubular guide tube to minimize shaft misalignment and vibration, along with a lid doubling as a valve element for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If half-split members are joined together by welding, then structural strength is improved, but operating efficiency decreases and water leakage risk increases during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The connection case is divided into two half-split members that can be assembled together using fastening members instead of welding. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity through mechanical fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system using fastening members. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, improving operating efficiency while providing adequate structural strength through the mechanical connection
2Ease of manufacture
If flanged connections are used between connection pipe and branch pipe, then ease of assembly is improved, but water leakage risk increases under earthquake loads
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling surface between the connection pipe and branch pipe is designed with a curved or spherical geometry rather than a flat flanged connection. This curved surface provides better stress distribution and sealing under earthquake loads while maintaining ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry is changed from a standard flat flange to a curved coupling surface with specific geometric parameters that optimize both assembly ease and leakage resistance under seismic conditions
3Reliability
If lid insertion device is used to attach closing lid, then sealing is improved, but operating efficiency decreases due to time-consuming screwing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of the lid insertion device and the closing lid attachment are merged into a single integrated component. The lid insertion device itself serves as the closing lid, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The lid insertion device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the insertion mechanism and the closing lid itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces the number of operations required
Data Source
AI summary
The branch pipe forming apparatus 100 includes a first split member 3 and a second split member 4, which include split surfaces 3a and 4a along a plane including an axial center X of the existing pipe W and an axial center Y of a branch pipe 2, and which are connected to each other in a sealed state by a fastening member B. An axial center Z of a tube part 31 is located closer to the branch pipe 2 than to the outer circumferential surface of an existing pipe W in a cutter accommodation space Sp. The first split member 3 and the second split member 4 are coupled to each other at respective coupling portions with respective coupling openings opposite to each other across the drilled hole Wa and the cutter accommodation space Sp and holding therebetween an end portion 2A of the branch pipe 2 in a sealed state.