Pipe assembly and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The pipe assembly (10, 20, 30, 40) comprises one or more tubular bodies (11, 21, 31, 41, 42) formed by one or more arc-shaped profile members (12, 22, 32, 33, 43, 44). Each arc-shaped profile member (12, 22, 32, 33, 43, 44) comprises a tongue (12a, 22a, 32a, 33a) at one first edge and a groove (12b, 22b, 32b, 33b) at the other first edge, wherein the first edges are opposite to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates broadly to the field of pipe assemblies. More specifically, this invention relates to a pipe assembly and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] Large pipelines are widely used to transport various substances, including water, sewage, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas. They are also used as protective covers for cables, etc. Typically, these pipelines are constructed by connecting multiple pipe modules made of concrete or metal in series, as their strength is sufficient to build pipes with diameters greater than 2 meters and withstand high pressure differentials (>10 bar) imposed by the transported substances.

[0003] These pipe modules are too heavy to handle and transport. Furthermore, their size and weight preclude mass production and shipment. On the other hand, pipe modules can be made from plastic materials, which would significantly reduce their weight while minimizing pipe corrosion.

[0004] Extrusion is the primary method for manufacturing plastic pipes. In this process, plastic raw material is fed into an extruder through a hopper, melted, and pressurized into molten plastic. This molten plastic is then forced through a die with a ring-shaped profile. Finally, the extruded pipe is cured by spraying cold water onto its surface. However, this process is inefficient for manufacturing giant pipes with diameters greater than 2 meters.

[0005] There remains a need in the art for a piping assembly and a method for manufacturing it, in which longer and larger pipes can be constructed more easily and quickly at the installation site. Furthermore, there is a need for piping assemblies that are relatively easier to transport and assemble in bulk. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a conduit assembly comprising a stretchable sheet, wherein two first edges of the stretchable sheet are clamped together by an interconnecting device to form a tubular body. The tubular body has a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or an oval cross-section.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, the interlocking device comprises a tongue-groove joint, wherein a tongue is formed at one of the first edges, and a groove is formed at the other of the first edges. The tongue and the groove can be clamped together by sliding the tongue into or inserting it into the groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the tongue and groove are configured to form a hole in the longitudinal direction between the tongue and groove when they are clamped together. Preferably, the hole receives a liquid plastic or adhesive material to form an airtight seal between the tongue and groove. Alternatively, the hole receives one or more conductive components to allow electrofusion welding between the tongue and groove.

[0009] A method for manufacturing a pipe assembly includes the following steps: bending a stretchable sheet to form an arcuate profile component; and clamping two first edges of the sheet together by an interlocking device to form a tubular body.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the conduit assembly comprises two or more stretchable sheets, wherein one or both first edges of one of the sheets are clamped to a corresponding first edge of an adjacent sheet by two interlocking devices, thereby forming a tubular body. Each interlocking device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein a tongue is formed at one of the two edges clamped by the interlocking device, and a groove is formed at the other edge.

[0011] In one aspect of a second embodiment of the invention, the interlocking device is configured to press a first edge of one of the sheets against each other between a first edge of another sheet to form an airtight seal between the pressed edges.

[0012] A method for manufacturing a pipe assembly includes the following steps: bending a first stretchable sheet to form an arcuate profile member; and clamping two first edges of the sheet to corresponding first edges of a second sheet by means of two interlocking devices to form a tubular body.

[0013] Optionally, the second sheet is bent before clamping the first edge of the first sheet to the first edge of the second sheet.

[0014] In a third embodiment of the invention, the conduit assembly includes two or more stretchable sheets and a support, wherein two first edges of each stretchable sheet are clamped to two edges of the support by two interconnecting devices to form a tubular body with each sheet. Each interconnecting device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint.

[0015] In one aspect of the invention, the tubular bodies are coplanar with each other. Preferably, the tubular bodies are coaxial with each other.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a pipe assembly includes the steps of: bending two or more stretchable sheets to form an arcuate profile member with each sheet; and clamping two first edges of a sheet to a pair of edges of a support by at least two interlocking devices to form a tubular body with each sheet.

[0017] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Attached Figure Description

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, similar parts and / or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various parts of the same type can be distinguished by a second numeral following the reference numeral to differentiate them. If only the first reference numeral is used in the description, the description applies to any similar part having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A front view of the arcuate profile member of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 It shows the method for forming Figure 2 Front view of the extensible sheet of the curved profile component.

[0022] Figure 4 A front view of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 4a A front view of the fastening member of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A front view of the fastening member prior to engagement is shown according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 6 A front view of a fastening member during engagement is shown according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 7 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figures 8 to 10 A front view of a profile member with a different cross-section according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, when engaged with a profile member, is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 A front view of a pipe assembly comprising four profile members according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 13 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, when engaged with four profile members, is shown.

[0031] Figure 14 A front view of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 15 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, when engaged with a profile member, is shown.

[0033] Figure 16 A perspective view of a pipe assembly having more than four profile members during joining, according to a second embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0034] Figure 17 A front view of a pipe assembly comprising more than four profile members according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 18 A front view of an arc-shaped profile member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 19 A rear perspective view of an arc-shaped profile member according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 20 A front view of a pipe assembly having two tubular bodies according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 20a A front view of a support for a pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 21 A top perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 22 A front view of a pipe assembly with multiple supports according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 23 A perspective view of a pipe assembly with multiple supports according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of a pipe assembly having a plurality of reinforcing components installed between two tubular bodies, according to a third embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0043] Figure 25 A front view of a pipe assembly having three tubular bodies according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 26 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 27 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 28 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] According to this disclosure, a piping assembly and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, which will now be described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the scope and range of this disclosure. The description is purely related to the application of the embodiments and their suggestions.

[0048] The embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantageous details, are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processes are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments described herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of how the embodiments described herein can be practiced, and further to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0049] The following description of specific implementation schemes will fully reveal the general nature of the schemes described herein, enabling others to readily modify, adapt, or implement such specific implementation schemes for various applications by applying present knowledge, without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be understood as being within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed implementation schemes. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation.

[0050] It should be noted that all accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and actual pipe assemblies may be configured with different sizes and shapes.

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The assembly (10) includes a stretchable sheet (13, such as...) Figure 3 As shown), the two first edges of the sheet (13) can be clamped together by an interconnecting device to form a tubular body (11). Preferably, the interconnecting device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein the tongue (12a, as shown) Figure 2 As shown) is formed at one of the first edges, and the groove (12b, as shown) is formed at one of the first edges. Figure 2 (As shown) is formed at another location within the first edge. Furthermore, the first edges are opposite each other, preferably parallel in the length direction. Alternatively, the first edges may be at an angle to each other.

[0052] Bending the sheet (13) to form an arc-shaped profile component (12, such as) Figure 2 As shown), this brings the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) closer together. Preferably, the arcuate profile member (12) has an arcuate range of 270° to 355°. The profile member (12) is configured to form a tubular body (11) when the tongue (12a) is slid into the groove (12b). Preferably, the stretchable sheet (13) is bent by a forming bending process, a thermoforming process, or any other conventional bending process. The sheet is made of an elastomeric material, such as plastic.

[0053] The tubular body (11) can be used to transport any fluid or gaseous substance, including but not limited to water, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, etc. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to any large tubular structure capable of withstanding an external pressure difference of about 30 bar and an internal pressure difference of less than 10 bar, including tunnel structures, subway structures, hyperloop pipeline structures, etc.

[0054] Preferably, the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) are configured to prevent any movement of each other perpendicular to the length direction of the tubular body (11) when the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) are clamped together.

[0055] Optionally, one of the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) includes a recess or recess such that a hole is formed between the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) in the longitudinal direction when the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) are clamped together. Liquid plastic or viscous material is injected into the hole to form an airtight seal between the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b), thereby providing a permanent locking effect and preventing leakage of transported material between the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b). Alternatively, a conductive component can be inserted into the hole and current can be transmitted along the conductive component to allow electrofusion welding between the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b). Furthermore, the conductive component can be attached to one of the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) during the manufacture of the stretchable sheet (13), and electrofusion welding can be performed using the conductive component after the tongue (12a) and the groove (12b) are clamped together. Preferably, the conductive component is a welding rod with an embedded resistance wire to fuse the joint surface.

[0056] Additionally, actuating elements such as knobs, hooks, rings, notches, etc., can be attached to one or both surfaces of each or one of the first edges to allow manipulation of the first edge while lifting, moving, and sliding it. Furthermore, the sheet (13) includes two second edges, with a recess (not shown) formed at one second edge and a protrusion (not shown) formed at the other second edge opposite the third edge. When multiple tubular bodies are connected in series to form a conduit assembly (10), the recess and protrusion are configured to form a mating alignment between the tubular body (11) and adjacent tubular bodies (not shown).

[0057] Figure 4 A front view of a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. The assembly (20) includes a stretchable sheet (not shown), wherein two first edges of the sheet are clamped together by an interconnecting device to form a tubular body (21). Preferably, the interconnecting device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein the tongue (22a, as shown) Figure 5 As shown) is formed at one of the first edges, and the groove (22b, as shown) is formed at one of the first edges. Figure 5 (As shown) It is formed at another location in the first edge.

[0058] Bending sheets to form curved profile components (22, such as) Figure 5 As shown), this brings the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b) closer together. Preferably, the edges are clamped together by inserting the tongue (22a) into the groove (22b). Furthermore, the tongue (22a) is partially split to form a gap (22c, as shown). Figure 5 As shown), this allows for selective compression of the split portion of the tongue (22a).

[0059] When compressed, the maximum width of the split portion is less than or equal to the inlet (22d) of the groove (22b), as shown in the figure. Figure 5 The width of the split portion (as shown). When not compressed, the maximum width of the split portion is greater than the width of the inlet (22d) of the groove (22b). Therefore, when the tongue (22a) is inserted into the groove (22b), the split portion is compressed (as shown). Figure 6 As shown), and when the tongue (22a) is in the engaged position (as shown) Figure 4a As shown), the split portion unfolds and firmly engages with the groove (22b). In this way, when the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b) clamp together, the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b) prevent any movement of each other perpendicular to the length direction of the tubular body (21).

[0060] After the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b) are clamped together, the gap (22c) in the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b) form a hole in the longitudinal direction. Liquid plastic or viscous material can be injected or pumped into the hole to form a permanent airtight seal and bond between the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b), thereby preventing any leakage of transported material between the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b).

[0061] Alternatively, a conductive component can be inserted into the hole and current can be transmitted along the conductive component to allow electrofusion welding between the tongue (22a) and the groove (22b). Preferably, the conductive component is a welding rod with an embedded resistance wire to fuse the joint surface. Additionally, an actuating member (22f, such as a knob, hook, ring, etc.) Figure 6(As shown) can be attached to one or both surfaces of each or one of the first edges to allow manipulation of the edges while lifting, moving and sliding them.

[0062] Figure 26 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method (100) includes the steps of: bending a stretchable sheet to form an arcuate profile member (101); and clamping two first edges of the sheet by an interconnecting device to form a tubular body (102). Preferably, the tubular body has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the tubular body may have an elliptical or oval cross-section.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the stretchable sheet is bent by a forming bending process or a thermoforming process. Preferably, the curvature of the curved profile component ranges from 270° to 355°. After the forming bending process or thermoforming process, the curved profile is hardened to maintain the shape of the curved profile component.

[0064] Preferably, the interconnecting device comprises a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein a tongue is formed at one of the first edges, and a groove is formed at the other of the first edges. The tongue and the groove can be clamped together by sliding the tongue into or inserting it into the groove. When the tongue and the groove are clamped together, a hole is formed between the tongue and the groove in the longitudinal direction. After clamping the tongue and the groove together, an airtight seal is formed between the tongue and the groove.

[0065] Preferably, the tongue and groove are attached together by introducing liquid plastic or adhesive material through a hole. Alternatively, one or more conductive components can be introduced through a hole to electrofusion weld between the tongue and groove. Furthermore, one or more conductive components can be attached along their length to one or both of the tongue and groove during the fabrication of the stretchable sheet or before the tongue and groove are clamped together.

[0066] Figures 7 to 19 Different views of a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention are shown. The pipe assembly (30) includes a first stretchable sheet (not shown) and a second sheet (not shown), wherein each of the two first edges of the first sheet can be clamped to the corresponding first edge of an adjacent sheet by an interlocking device, thereby creating a tubular body (31). Each interlocking device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein a tongue (33a, 33b) is formed at one of the two first edges clamped by the tongue-and-groove joint, and a groove (32a, 32b) is formed at the other of the two first edges clamped by the tongue-and-groove joint.

[0067] Preferably, each of the sheets is stretchable and bendable to form an arcuate profile member (32, 33). Alternatively, only the first stretchable sheet is bent to form an arcuate profile member (32), while the other profile member (33) is planar, such as Figure 10 As shown. In some other embodiments, the first edge of the profile member (33) is angled, such as... Figure 11 As shown, it is clamped to the curved profile member (32). Furthermore, the profile member (33) can be formed as a hollow box with an open side, and has a tongue (33a) and a groove (33b) at the open edge to press the first edges of the curved profile member (32) against each other, as shown. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown.

[0068] Alternatively, the pipe assembly (30) includes four stretchable sheets (not shown), wherein the stretchable sheets are bent to form two pairs of curved profile members (32, 33), such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown. Each arcuate profile member (32, 33) can clamp two adjacent arcuate profile members (32, 33) to form a tubular member (31). One pair of profile members (32) has a longer arc length, while the other pair of profile members (33) has a shorter arc length. Optionally, each of the profile members (32, 33) has a different arc length and axial length, such as Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown. Additionally, one or both of the profile members (33) are planar, while the profile member (32) is curved and formed from a bendable sheet. Furthermore, each profile member (32, 33) has the same radius of curvature. Alternatively, one or more of the profile members (32, 33) may have different radii of curvature.

[0069] One or more of the profile members (32, 33) include one or more openings (not shown) and a door (not shown) for airtightly sealing each opening. Such openings may allow connection to another tubular member or access to the interior portion of the tubular member (31). Each sheet is made of a different material or the same material, preferably an elastomeric material such as plastic. Preferably, one or more of the sheets are made of a transparent material, allowing the tubular assembly (30) to be used for algae cultivation or solar energy collection.

[0070] Depending on the requirements of a specific application, the profile members (32, 33) may have the same or different thicknesses. For example, when used for transporting water or crude oil, the profile members (32, 33) at the bottom portion of the pipe assembly (30) may be formed to be thicker than the profile members (32, 33) at the top portion of the pipe assembly (30). Similarly, the length of each profile member (32, 33) may be different from or the same as the other profile members (32, 33).

[0071] One or more profile members (32, 33) include one or more reinforcing holes (34) along the length of the profile members (32, 33) for receiving reinforcing members (35) to hold the successive profile members (32, 33) in place when the profile members (32, 33) are connected in series. Each profile member (32, 33) includes a recess (36, as shown) at a second edge. Figure 18 (as shown) and the protrusion (37, as shown) at the opposite second edge. Figure 18 As shown), when multiple profile members (32, 33) are connected in series, the recess (36) and the protrusion (37) enable the profile members (32, 33) to be assembled and aligned with the profile member (not shown) adjacent to the second edge.

[0072] When the tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (32a, 32b) are clamped together, each of the tongues (33a, 33b) and its corresponding groove (32a, 32b) prevents any movement of each other perpendicular to the length direction of the tubular body (31). Thus, the tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (32a, 32b) allow the profile members (32, 33) to be held together in a direction perpendicular to their length, while simultaneously allowing the profile members (32, 33) to slide relative to each other in the length direction, such as... Figure 11 As shown. The profile members (32, 33) are configured to form a tubular body (31) when the profile members (32, 33) are joined together.

[0073] Since the tubular body (31) is formed by bending the stretchable sheet, the need to compress the tubular body is avoided. At the same time, tubular bodies with different cross-sections (including circular, elliptical and oval) and different shapes (including cylindrical, conical, bent tube, etc.) can be manufactured by bending the stretchable sheet with different radii of curvature and changing the shape of the stretchable sheet.

[0074] Furthermore, the stretchable sheets can be mass-produced in a simple manner. Compared to transporting tubular bodies, the stretchable sheets can be stacked on top of each other and easily transported by vehicle to the installation site with minimal or no damage. Even if the edge of any stretchable sheet is damaged, the damaged stretchable sheet can be repaired as needed, and the stretchable sheet can be used to form a tubular body (31) and connected to another tubular body. Since each interconnecting device prevents the profile members (32, 33) from moving, and the profile members (32, 33) are attached together in an airtight manner, the tubular body (31) can maintain its shape, and leakage of transported materials through the interconnecting devices is impossible.

[0075] One or both of the tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (32a, 32b) in each tongue-groove joint include recesses or recesses such that when the profile members (32, 33) are clamped together, a hole is formed in the longitudinal direction between the tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (32a, 32b) in each joint. The hole is configured to receive liquid plastic or viscous material to form an airtight seal between each tongue (33a, 33b) and the corresponding groove (32a, 32b) after clamping, thereby preventing leakage of transported material between the tongues (33a, 33b) and the corresponding grooves (32a, 32b). Alternatively, a conductive component, such as a metal rod or cable, can be inserted into the hole and current can be transmitted along the conductive component to allow electrofusion welding between the tongues (33a, 33b) and the corresponding grooves (32a, 32b). Furthermore, the conductive components can be attached to one of the tongues (33a, 33b) and grooves (32a, 32b) in each joint during the manufacturing of the corresponding stretchable sheet or before the clamping process, and the conductive components can be used for electrofusion welding after clamping.

[0076] Figure 27 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method (200) includes the steps of: bending a first stretchable sheet to form a first arcuate profile member (201); and clamping each of two first edges of the first sheet to a corresponding first edge of a second sheet via an interlocking device to form a tubular body (202). Each interlocking device comprises a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein a tongue is formed at one of the two first edges clamped by each tongue-and-groove joint, and a groove is formed at the other of the two clamped edges. Preferably, the tubular body has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the tubular body may have an elliptical or oval cross-section.

[0077] Preferably, the first stretchable sheet is bent by a forming bending process or a thermoforming process. Preferably, the curvature of the first curved profile member ranges from 5° to 355°. After the forming bending process or thermoforming process, the curved profile is hardened to maintain the shape of the curved profile member.

[0078] Preferably, the second sheet is further bent to form a second arcuate profile member, and has an arcuate radius in the range of 5° to 355°. Furthermore, the arcuate radius of the second arcuate profile member may be the same as or different from that of the first arcuate profile member. Alternatively, the second sheet may be planar. Additionally, the first edge of the second sheet is angled to properly clamp to the first edge of the first arcuate profile member.

[0079] Furthermore, the first arcuate profile can be formed by joining two or more third arcuate profile members together, wherein each third profile member is formed by bending a third stretchable sheet, and each third stretchable sheet includes a tongue at a first edge and a groove at an opposite first edge. The curvature of each third profile member may be the same as or different from the remaining third profile members.

[0080] Preferably, the first edge of the first arcuate profile member is clamped to the first edge of the second profile member by sliding or inserting each tongue into the corresponding groove. An airtight seal is formed between each tongue and the corresponding groove after clamping by attaching each tongue to the corresponding groove, wherein each tongue-groove joint is configured to form a hole in the longitudinal direction between the corresponding tongue and the groove when the tongue is clamped to the corresponding groove.

[0081] Preferably, each tongue is attached to its corresponding groove by introducing liquid plastic or adhesive material through each hole. Alternatively, one or more conductive components can be introduced through the holes for electrofusion welding between the tongue and the corresponding groove. Furthermore, one or more conductive components can be attached along their length to one or both of the tongues and grooves in each joint during the fabrication of the stretchable sheet or before clamping each tongue to its corresponding groove. Similarly, each third profile component can be attached to each adjacent third profile component by introducing liquid plastic or adhesive material along the corresponding tongue-groove joint or by electrofusion welding.

[0082] Figures 20 to 25 Different views of a pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention are shown. The pipe assembly (40) includes two or more stretchable sheets (not shown) and supports (45) that can be clamped between the sheets by a plurality of interconnecting devices to form two or more interconnected tubular bodies (41, 42). Each sheet includes two first edges, each first edge being clamped to the same support (45) by an interconnecting device. Figure 20 and 21(as shown) or different brackets (45, such as) Figures 22 to 25 The corresponding edge (as shown).

[0083] Preferably, the tubular bodies (41, 42) are coplanar with each other, more preferably coaxial with each other, such as Figure 20 and Figures 21 to 24 As shown. Alternatively, the pipe assembly (40) may include more than two tubular bodies, such as Figure 25 As shown, the tubular bodies are coplanar with each other, and the two tubular bodies are coaxial with each other. Preferably, each tubular body (41, 42) has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the tubular bodies (41, 42) may also have an elliptical or oval cross-section.

[0084] Similar to the interconnecting devices of the first two embodiments of the present invention, each interconnecting device of the third embodiment consists of a tongue-and-groove joint. In each tongue-and-groove joint, a tongue (not shown) is formed at one of the two first edges clamped by the joint, and a groove (not shown) is formed at the other first edge. Furthermore, each sheet is bent to form an arcuate profile member (43, 44) and then clamped to a support (45) to form a tubular body (41, 42).

[0085] The bracket (45) includes profile components (46, 47, such as...) Figure 20a As shown), it can be clamped to each arcuate profile member (43, 44) to form a tubular body (41, 42). Each profile member (46, 47) of the support (45) includes two edges, each edge having a groove (45a to 45b, as shown) Figure 20a (as shown), a tongue (not shown) for clamping to the corresponding curved profile component (46, 47).

[0086] The profile components (46, 47) of the bracket (45) are connected to each other to form the bracket (45) into an I-shaped profile component, such as Figure 20a As shown. Optionally, one or two of the tubular bodies (41, 42) are formed by joining multiple arc-shaped profile members (43, 44) with multiple supports (45) between the corresponding arc-shaped profile members (43, 44), as shown. Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown. Each sheet and support (45) is made of different or the same material, preferably an elastomeric material such as plastic.

[0087] For example, one or more reinforcing components such as metal cables, aerated concrete blocks, etc. (48, such as...) Figure 24The tubular bodies (41, 42) are arranged between the tubular bodies to increase the strength and weight of the pipe assembly (40), and to properly align and hold two or more consecutive tubular bodies together when multiple similar pipe assemblies are connected in series. Alternatively, the space between the two tubular bodies (41, 42) may also be filled with sand, soil, any composite material and / or liquid or gaseous substances to allow the pipe assembly (40) to be submerged, partially submerged or floating when used in marine applications. In addition, the tubular body (41), together with the reinforcing member (48), can protect any material being transported or contained within the tubular body (42).

[0088] Since the tubular bodies (41, 42) are formed by bending the stretchable sheet, the need to compress the tubular bodies is avoided. At the same time, tubular bodies with different cross-sections (including circular, elliptical and oval) and different shapes (including cylindrical, conical, bent tube, etc.) can be manufactured by bending the stretchable sheet with different radii of curvature and changing the shape of the stretchable sheet.

[0089] Furthermore, the stretchable sheets and supports are easy to mass-produce. Compared to transporting tubular bodies, the stretchable sheets can be stacked on top of each other and easily transported by vehicle to the installation site with minimal or no damage. Even if the edge of any stretchable sheet is damaged, the damaged sheet can be repaired as needed, and the stretchable sheet can be used to form a tubular body and connect to another tubular body. Because the fastening members prevent the joined fasteners from moving and are attached together in an airtight manner, the tubular body can maintain its shape, and leakage of transported materials through the fastening members is impossible.

[0090] Figure 28 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing a pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method (300) includes the steps of: bending two or more stretchable sheets to form two or more first arcuate profile members (201); and clamping one or more supports between the first arcuate profile members by a plurality of interlocking devices to form two or more tubular bodies (202). Each support comprises two or more profile members, and each profile member of the support includes a tongue at one edge and a groove at an opposite edge. Preferably, each tubular body has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, one or more of the tubular bodies may have an elliptical or oval cross-section.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, each stretchable sheet is bent by a forming bending process or a thermoforming process. Preferably, the curvature of the curved profile component ranges from 270° to 355°. After the forming bending process or thermoforming process, the curved profile component is hardened to maintain its shape.

[0092] Preferably, each profile member of the bracket is also arc-shaped, with an arc ranging from 5° to 10°. Alternatively, the profile members of the bracket are planar shapes with two profile edges. Furthermore, the profile members are connected to each other by rigid members to form the bracket as I-shaped profile members.

[0093] Each interconnecting device comprises a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein a tongue is formed at one of two first edges clamped by the joint, and a groove (not shown) is formed at the other first edge. Preferably, each profile member of the bracket has two edges, each edge having a groove. Each groove is clamped to the tongue of the corresponding arcuate profile member by sliding engagement or by inserting a tongue into the groove.

[0094] By attaching the corresponding tongue and groove to each other, an airtight seal is formed at each tongue-groove joint, wherein each tongue-groove joint is configured to form a hole in the longitudinal direction between the corresponding tongue and groove when clamped together.

[0095] Preferably, each tongue and corresponding groove are attached together by introducing liquid plastic or adhesive material through a hole. Alternatively, one or more conductive components can be introduced through a hole to electrofusion weld between the tongue and the corresponding groove. Furthermore, one or more conductive components can be attached along their length to one or both of the tongues and grooves at each tongue-groove joint during the fabrication of the stretchable sheet or before the clamping step.

[0096] Although the above embodiments illustrate that the invention includes a tongue-and-groove joint for clamping edges to form a tubular body, it should be understood that any joint that allows for an airtight seal by sliding or insertion can be used. Similarly, one or more arcuate profile members can be made of varying thicknesses, arc lengths, arc angles, radii of curvature, and lengths. Optionally, one or more profile members or supports may be attached with one or more rings, anchors, and / or clamping members for suspending / anchoring the pipe assembly to a supporting member, such as a seabed, concrete platform, ground, wall surface, etc.

[0097] Furthermore, one or more profile components can be constructed to be transparent so that the transported material is visible from the outside of the tubular body. By constructing the transport profile components, sunlight can also be focused onto the contents within the pipe assembly by adjusting the refractive index and / or curvature of the profile components according to requirements (e.g., requirements for algae cultivation and solar energy collection).

[0098] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “an” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0099] The terms “comprises / comprising,” “includes,” and “have” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the said feature, integer, step, operation, element, or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

[0100] The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" implies the use of one or more elements, as such use may be in one of the implementations to achieve one or more desired purposes or results.

[0101] Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above, other and further embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, but is included to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to them.

Claims

1. A pipe assembly (40), the pipe assembly comprising: a. At least two flat, stretchable sheets; b. At least one support (45) capable of being clamped between the sheets by a plurality of interlocking devices to form at least two interconnected tubular bodies, wherein each interlocking device consists of a tongue-and-groove joint, wherein one of the tongue and groove of each interlocking device is formed at an edge of one of the sheets, and the other of the tongue and groove is formed at an edge of the support (45) corresponding to the edge of the sheet. The feature is that each tongue is partially split such that the split portion can be selectively compressed to enter or exit the groove, and is configured to form a hole in the longitudinal direction between the tongue and the groove when the tongue and the groove are clamped together, wherein the hole is capable of receiving liquid plastic, adhesive material or electrofused components.

2. The pipe assembly (40) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular bodies (41, 42) are coplanar with each other.

3. The pipe assembly (40) of claim 2, wherein the tubular bodies (41, 42) are coaxial with each other.

4. The conduit assembly (40) of claim 1, wherein each of the stretchable sheet and the support (45) is made of an elastomeric material.

5. The pipe assembly (40) of claim 4, wherein the elastomeric material comprises plastic.

6. The pipe assembly (40) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the flat, stretchable sheets are made of a transparent material, allowing light to pass through the pipe assembly for algae cultivation inside the tubular body (41, 42).

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