Tapered Wedge Flange Spreader with Retainer Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flange spreading tools for pipelines are bulky, expensive, and difficult to operate, making them undesirable for efficient maintenance and replacement tasks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe flange spreading tool comprising a pair of wedges with tapered ends and a retainer strap, where the strap connects the wedges via through-holes and includes adjustable end loops for securing the tool to the pipeline, allowing for effective separation of pipe flanges with reduced risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flange spreading tools are used, then pipe flanges can be separated, but the tools are bulky, expensive and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The flange spreading tool is divided into separate functional components: a handle, a retainer strap, and multiple wedges. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and makes the overall tool more manageable and easier to operate compared to conventional monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements including a flexible retainer strap that can be looped around pipeline components and adjusted during operation, and wedges that can be inserted and removed as needed. This dynamic design improves ease of operation compared to static conventional tools.
2Productivity
If conventional flange spreading tools are used, then pipe flanges can be separated, but the tools are bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The essential function of flange separation is extracted and achieved through simple tapered wedges rather than complex conventional tools. The wedges are inserted between flange bolts to leverage mechanical advantage, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution that improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool uses inexpensive materials such as rubber or plastic for the retainer strap and handle, and simple metal wedges that can be replaced if needed. This cost-effective approach eliminates the need for expensive conventional flange spreading tools while maintaining productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the retainer strap is made flexible for easy looping, then the tool is easier to operate, but the strap may not provide sufficient retention force
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer strap's properties are optimized by selecting materials with appropriate elastic modulus and tensile strength characteristics. The strap is designed with specific dimensional parameters (width, thickness, length) that balance flexibility for easy looping with sufficient retention force to secure the wedges during operation.
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
The tool provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective means to spread pipe flanges, enhancing maintenance operations while being suitable for hazardous environments due to its spark-resistant materials and adjustable design.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered end is configured to be forced between two pipe flanges of a pipeline to separate the pipe flanges of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe flange spreading tool is disclosed. The pipe flange spreading tool includes a pair of wedges and a retainer strap. Each of the wedges has a through-hole and a tapered end. The tapered end is configured to be forced between two pipe flanges of a pipeline to separate the pipe flanges of the pipeline. The retainer strap connects the pair of wedges via the through-holes. The retainer strap includes a first and second end loops configured to be looped around a first and second secured locations of the pipeline, respectively, in order to retain the pair of wedges with respect to the pipeline during operation.