Adjustable Packer Structure for Pipe-Entry Lining Without Tearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lining interior walls of hollow structures, such as sewerage pits, face challenges when dealing with pipes entering and exiting the structure, as pressurizing the bladder tends to push liner material inside the pipe, causing tearing before it cures, leading to inefficient and often manual repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A packer with rigid end parts and a flexible part, featuring an inner and outer covering layer with a curable resin composition and pressurizing means, adjustable to fit various pipe diameters and lengths, and equipped with spacing means to maintain axial distance between end parts, along with a clamping tool to prevent shifting, ensures effective lining of both the structure and pipe walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bladder is pressurized to apply liner material against the wall, then the lining effectiveness is improved, but the liner material is pushed inside the pipe causing tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the system into separate functional components: the bladder for pressurization and the packer for material containment. The packer acts as a barrier that segments the pipe interior, preventing liner material from being pushed into the pipe while allowing the bladder to pressurize effectively for lining application.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer serves as an intermediary device between the bladder and the liner material. It mediates the pressurization force by containing the liner material within the pipe opening, preventing it from being forced into the pipe while still allowing the bladder to apply sufficient pressure for effective lining.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the packer is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to various pipe diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges rigid and flexible components into a hybrid packer structure. The rigid end parts provide structural stability and shape maintenance, while the flexible intermediate part enables adaptation to different pipe diameters. This combination allows the packer to maintain its structural integrity while conforming to various pipe sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer utilizes composite construction with rigid materials for the end parts and flexible materials for the intermediate section. This composite structure enables the packer to simultaneously achieve structural stability from the rigid components and adaptability to different pipe diameters through the flexible section that can deform and conform to various circular openings.
3Productivity
If the resin composition is exposed during application, then curing can proceed, but premature curing occurs leading to material failure
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is designed with the liner material already applied and positioned within the pipe opening before the curing process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the material is contained and protected from premature exposure to curing agents or environmental conditions that could cause unwanted curing before the intended time.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer structure acts as a protective intermediary between the liner material and the external environment during the curing process. It prevents premature curing by controlling exposure to curing agents and maintaining appropriate conditions until the material is ready to be cured, thereby preventing material failure from improper curing timing.
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 packer allows for efficient and reliable lining of hollow structures and pipe walls, achieving a watertight seal with improved durability and control over the lining thickness, addressing the issues of premature material failure and manual repair.
Implementation Method 1
a means for pressurizing the inside of the packer
Implementation Method 2
a curing means provided within the inside of the packer for curing the packer resin composition
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A packer (2) for use in a method for lining interior walls of a hollow structure that communicates with a pipe provided in a wall of the hollow structure is described. The packer (2) comprises rigid end parts (20a, 20b) and a flexible part (21) that connects to the rigid parts, and spacing means (26) that keep the rigid parts at an adjustable distance from each other in an axial direction of the packer. The flexible part comprises an inner covering layer facing the inside of the packer, an outer covering layer facing the outside of the packer, and a packer material sheet of reinforcing fibers and a curable resin composition provided in between the inner and outer covering layer. The packer further comprises a means (23) for pressurizing the inside of the packer, and a curing means (25) provided within the inside of the packer for curing the packer resin composition. A lining method in which the packer is used, is also described, as well as a method for providing a pipe with a hat section.