Union Nut Release Tool With Jack-Assisted Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing union fittings require high torque for disassembly due to corrosion, posing safety risks and potential damage to the system, especially in environments with volatile media.
Innovation Solution
A union release tool with a nut capturing device and jack assembly that applies controlled torque using minimal operator effort, utilizing a screw or hydraulic jack to break the union nut loose, with reactionary devices to resist force and maintain system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high torque is applied to break the corroded union nut loose, then the nut can be removed, but the piping system or fasteners may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a dynamic lever arm that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the operator to control the magnitude of torque applied. The lever arm rotates around a pivot point, creating a mechanical advantage that can be modulated by changing the lever arm length, thus enabling high torque when needed while preventing excessive force that could damage the system
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes the physical parameter of torque by using a lever arm mechanism. By adjusting the distance from the pivot point to the point where force is applied, the tool can transform small operator input force into large controlled torque, or reduce torque when the nut is loosened, thereby preventing damage to the piping system
2Reliability
If manual force is used to remove the union nut, then the operator has direct control, but excessive physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The tool introduces a lever arm as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the union nut. This lever arm acts as a mechanical mediator that amplifies the operator's input force through rotational motion around a pivot point, reducing the physical effort required while maintaining precise control over the torque applied to the nut
Solution Approach 2:
The tool segments the force application process into two distinct stages: first, the lever arm amplifies operator force to break the corroded nut loose, and second, the lever arm can be repositioned or removed to allow controlled tightening or loosening. This segmentation allows the operator to use minimal effort for the difficult breaking loose phase while maintaining control during subsequent operations
3Ease of operation
If external energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) are used to remove the union, then high torque can be applied easily, but safety risks increase in volatile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed as a self-contained mechanical system that uses only the operator's manual input force, transformed through the lever arm mechanism. It requires no external energy sources such as electrical motors, hydraulic pumps, or pneumatic cylinders, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with these systems in volatile environments while still providing the mechanical advantage needed to remove corroded unions
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 safe and controlled disassembly of union nuts with minimal physical effort, applying up to 2,500 ft.-lbs. of torque without compromising the integrity of the piping or posing safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
the jack assembly being operatively coupled to the nut capturing device so as to convert the force produced by the jack assembly to a torque applied to the union nut
Data Source
AI summary
A union release tool for loosening union nuts is disclosed herein. The union release tool includes a nut capturing device with a slip-on capturing member for circumscribing a plurality of sides of a union nut, the nut capturing device configured to provide an extended pivot point relative to the rotation of the union nut; a jack assembly configured to produce a force for breaking the union nut loose, the jack assembly being operatively coupled to the nut capturing device so as to convert the force produced by the jack assembly to a torque applied to the union nut; and at least one reactionary device configured to resist the force applied by the jack assembly to facilitate the breaking of the union nut loose, and the at least one reactionary device defining at least one pipe capturing recess for receiving a portion of a pipe in the pipe capturing recess.