Transverse Pipe Flange Separator Prevents Longitudinal Slippage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating pipe flanges are inefficient, particularly in tight spaces and complex systems, as they often damage the pipes and require hammering or pounding, which is unsafe for flammable gases and liquids, and lack means to prevent longitudinal slippage on uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device with an elongated frame, a frame retaining plate, a pusher pin, a leveling pin, and an anchoring pin that applies a transverse force to separate pipe flanges without damaging them, while preventing longitudinal slippage through anti-slip screws and enlarged bearing surfaces, allowing precise control and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If hydraulic separators or wedges are used to pry pipe flanges apart, then the bonding force between flanges can be overcome, but the pipes or flanges may be damaged and the device cannot be used in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation forceVSAvoiddamage to pipes or flanges

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying lateral separation force as in traditional hydraulic separators or wedges, this invention applies a transverse force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipes. The separator device pushes the flanges apart in a direction transverse to the pipe length, avoiding the need for lateral prying that causes damage or requires excessive space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The transverse force is applied at a specific location between the flanges rather than distributed laterally. The separator device concentrates the separating force at a localized point where it can effectively break the bond without distributing stress in a way that damages the pipes or flanges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If traditional alignment tools are used to apply transverse forces, then pipe flanges can be aligned for joining, but the device is very expensive and lacks means to prevent longitudinal slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransverse force applicationVSAvoidcost and anti-slip mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator device incorporates a retaining plate with anti-slip screws that automatically prevent longitudinal slippage when the device is positioned on the pipe. The enlarged bearing surfaces on the pins also self-prevent slippage through increased contact area, eliminating the need for additional complex anti-slip mechanisms found in expensive alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive components such as a retaining plate with anti-slip screws, enlarged bearing surfaces on pins, and basic transverse pushing mechanisms rather than expensive precision alignment tools. The design prioritizes functionality over precision, making it cost-effective for separation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9115828B2Transverse pipe flange separator

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 NAKAMURA RODNEY S

AI summary

A device for separating pipe flanges through the application of a transverse force. The device contains a frame, a frame retaining plate, a pusher pin, a leveling pin, an anchoring pin, a member, and anti-slip screws.