Branch Liner Installation Through a Single-Access Rotating Inflator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe renovation systems for lining branches and junctions are complex, requiring multiple access points and personnel to manage wires, rods, and hoses, making the installation process cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A single installation device with a control unit and expansion unit, featuring a flexible duct and shaft system that allows for rotation and inflation of a branch piece within a pipeline, enabling a single user to position and secure a branch liner with pressurized air or steam, reducing the need for multiple entry points and personnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate branch pieces with multiple pulling wires and push rods are used, then the branch piece can be positioned at the branch position, but the system becomes complicated and requires multiple access points and personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation process simplicityVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (pulling wires, push rods, air hose) into a single integrated installation device with a unified shaft system. The control unit and expansion unit are merged into one device that can be inserted through a single access point, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and multiple personnel operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation device performs multiple functions through a single unified structure. The shaft system can both push and pull the branch piece, the single access point allows insertion and retrieval, and the integrated design handles positioning and securing operations without requiring separate specialized tools for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple employees work in cooperation to place the branch piece, then correct positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePositioning accuracyVSAvoidInstallation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation device is designed to automatically position and secure the branch piece through its integrated shaft system and expansion mechanism. The device self-adjusts and self-positions the branch piece at the correct location without requiring multiple personnel to manually guide and secure it, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing labor requirements and installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If access to the branch position is obtained through more than one pipe, then the branch piece can be installed, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and requires multiple entry points

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation accessibilityVSAvoidAccess point requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all installation functions into a single device that can be inserted through one access point. The control unit and expansion unit are combined into one integrated system that travels through a single pipe to reach the branch position, eliminating the need for multiple separate access points and the complexity of coordinating multiple insertion paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the installation process by allowing a single user to efficiently position and secure branch liners within pipelines, reducing time and personnel requirements while ensuring proper overlap to prevent leaks.

Implementation Method 1

A single installation device with a control unit and expansion unit, featuring a flexible duct and shaft system that allows for rotation and inflation of a branch piece within a pipeline, enabling a single user to position and secure a branch liner with pressurized air or steam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3517819B1Installation device
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 PICOTE SOLUTIONS OY LTD
  • EP3517819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3517819B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

An installation device (2) for installing a branch liner in a branch point of a pipeline is disclosed. The device has a body (4) with an inlet (16) defined therein for fluids and a turning knob (10) is rotatable relative to the body (4). The turning knob (10) is attached to a first shaft (32) and the opposite end of the first shaft (32) is attached to a first barrel (40). The device further comprises a second barrel (60) and a second shaft (50) attached between said barrels (40, 60). The device further comprises a duct (30) extending between the body (4) and the first barrel (40) forming a passage (17, 31) for fluids from the inlet (16) of the body (4) to an area between said first barrel (40) and said second barrel (60).