Branch Conduit Plug Removal Bit With Pilot Hole Catch and Burr
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rehabilitation of main pipes connected to branch conduits poses challenges, particularly in locating and removing plugs after the lining process, as the lining covers the lateral connections, making it difficult to restore fluid communication between the main pipe and branch conduits.
Innovation Solution
A plug removal bit with a shaft and a boring head, along with a burr and catch mechanism, is used to bore a pilot hole and separate a removable section of the plug from the durable section, allowing for the removal of the plug while leaving the durable section in place to serve as a locating beacon, facilitating further robotic operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main pipe is lined to repair it, then the pipe rehabilitation is effective and low-cost, but the lateral connections become covered and difficult to locate for removing plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing locating beacons on the plugs before the lining process covers the lateral connections. These beacons are positioned in advance to mark the exact locations where plugs need to be removed after lining, solving the problem of being unable to locate lateral connections once the pipe is lined.
2Ease of operation
If the entire plug is removed from the branch conduit, then fluid communication is restored, but the branch conduit lacks a locating beacon for future operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the plug into two functional parts: a removable section that blocks fluid flow and a durable section that serves as a permanent locating beacon. The removable section is taken out to restore fluid communication, while the durable section remains embedded in the branch conduit to provide location information for future operations.
3Extent of automation
If a robot is used to remove plugs, then the operation is automated and efficient, but the robot needs precise location information that is hidden under the lining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing locating beacons on the plugs before the lining process. These beacons remain visible after lining and provide the automated robot with the precise location information it needs to navigate to and remove the correct plugs, maintaining automation efficiency without losing location data.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a bit for removing a plug from a branch conduit extending from a main pipe has a boring head at a distal end portion of a shaft configured to bore a pilot hole in the plug. A catch on the shaft is configured to pass through the pilot hole and then engage the plug after the pilot hole is bored for pushing the plug proximally. A burr proximal of the boring head is configured to remove a portion of the plug to separate a removable section from a durable section of the plug. In a method of restoring fluid communication between a main pipe and a branch conduit, the bit bores a pilot hole with the boring head, separates the removable section from the durable section with the burr, and then with the catch, withdraws the removable section only.