Bifurcation Pipe Lining Tool With UV LED Heat Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe lining tools face challenges in controlling light wavelength and heat emission from light sources used for curing liners in bifurcation pipes, which affects the efficacy of the curing process.
Innovation Solution
A pipe lining tool with a flexible main body and extendable portions equipped with UV LEDs and a cooling unit, where the LEDs emit light in a controlled UV spectrum for curing and are cooled using air pressure, allowing for precise light and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light source is used to cure the liner, then the curing efficacy is improved, but heat emission increases causing harmful thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light source by using UV LEDs that emit specifically in the 380-420nm wavelength range. This parameter change allows effective curing of the liner while minimizing heat emission, as UV LEDs convert electrical energy directly to UV light with minimal thermal byproduct compared to traditional high-intensity discharge lamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional thermal-based heating systems with a UV LED-based optical system. Instead of using high-temperature lamps that rely on thermal radiation for curing, the system uses cold UV light emission from LEDs, substituting a thermal-mechanical process with a photonic-electrical process that generates minimal heat.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light source emits across various wavelengths, then broad spectrum coverage is achieved, but control over specific curing wavelengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific UV LED chips that emit in the narrow 380-420nm band. Rather than using a broad-spectrum light source, the system locally optimizes the wavelength output to match the specific curing requirements of the liner material, providing precise spectral control where it is most needed for effective curing.
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 solution provides better control over light wavelength and heat generation, ensuring effective curing of liners while minimizing heat-related issues, thereby improving the reliability of the pipe lining process.
Implementation Method 1
The main body comprises a first Light Emitting Diode, LED, unit comprising at least one LED emitting light in the UV wavelength spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The first LED unit comprises a cooling unit configured to feed air to the first LED unit during use
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe lining tool comprising a bifurcation lining unit comprising a partly flexible main body having an extension in a longitudinal direction and a radial direction. The main body comprises an envelope surface, an envelope opening, and a main body extendable portion. The bifurcation lining unit comprises an air pressure unit. The main body extendable portion being configured to be extended when subject to air pressure from the air pressure unit. The main body comprising a first light emitting diode. The improved light source can be controlled both in order to give sufficient light in a specific wavelength range for curing a liner inside a main pipe, but also for controlling heat emitted by a light source.