Branch Conduit Liner With Self-Locking Expansion Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing damaged pipe connections are complex, require long supply lines for viscous sealants, suffer from pressure control issues, and necessitate long pot life for repair compounds due to operator errors and time-consuming expansion processes, leading to increased labor and equipment standby costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cover element and an expandable expansion element that locks itself to the pipe wall, eliminating the need for compressed air connections and allowing direct integration of storage devices, ensuring optimal centering and simplified installation of formwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If long supply lines are used to transport viscous repair compound from outside the sewer, then the repair can reach distant damaged areas, but the pressure control becomes difficult and the operator cannot precisely adjust the delivery pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates a pump directly on the rehabilitation robot, enabling the system to supply repair compound autonomously without external hoses or operators. The robot self-regulates the delivery pressure through its integrated pump system, eliminating the pressure control difficulties associated with long external supply lines.
2Ease of operation
If the expansion element requires connection to compressed air lines for expansion, then the expansion process can be controlled, but the installation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compressed air connection requirement from the expansion element design. The expansion element is modified to expand without needing connection to external compressed air lines, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and complex connection process while maintaining controllable expansion through alternative mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a self-contained expansion chamber or integrated pressure system) that mediates between the robot's propulsion system and the expansion element, enabling controlled expansion without direct compressed air line connections.
3Length of stationary object
If the repair compound is supplied through long pipes from outside the sewer, then materials can be delivered to remote locations, but the velocity-dependent pressure drop makes pressure adjustment extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation robot carries its own pump system, enabling it to autonomously supply repair compound without relying on long external pipes. The integrated pump maintains precise pressure control throughout the delivery process, eliminating the velocity-dependent pressure drop issues that occur with long external transport pipes.
4Manufacturing precision
If the expansion element is inserted through a recess into the secondary pipe, then the formwork can be properly formed, but the process requires precise positioning that is difficult to achieve from remote control
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion element is designed to automatically position itself within the secondary pipe through self-centering mechanisms or geometric constraints. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for precise remote positioning operations, allowing the formwork to be correctly formed without difficult remote manipulation.
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
Facilitates faster and more reliable pipe repairs by simplifying the application of formwork and expansion bodies, reducing labor costs and equipment standby time, while ensuring precise pressure control and efficient use of repair compounds.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable element, also called a bladder, which can be inserted into the branch pipe. In its expanded state, this element rests against the wall of the branch pipe
Implementation Method 2
a viscous sealant placed within this formwork before it hardens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for renovating damaged conduit walls in the region of the connection of a secondary conduit to a main conduit, said device comprising a cover element and an expandable expansion element. When not expanded, the expandable expansion element is positioned in the secondary conduit at least partly in or through a first recess in the cover element, and when expanded, the expandable expansion element lies against the wall of the secondary conduit such that the cover element and the expansion element together form a casing. The invention is characterised in that, when expanded, the expansion element lies firmly against the wall of the secondary conduit such that the expansion element locks itself and the casing in place.