Breakaway Pipe Clamp Assembly for Trenchless Pipe Bursting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clamps do not allow for seamless pipe replacement during a pipe bursting process due to their inability to fail and split when subjected to the high tension forces generated by the bursting head.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway pipe clamp featuring a bendable band with notches and perforations that concentrate stress, allowing it to fail under tension, combined with a tightening mechanism to secure the band around the pipe, facilitating the pipe bursting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pipe clamp is used to secure the pipe, then the pipe is held firmly in place, but the clamp prevents pipe replacement during bursting process
Solution Approach 1:
The band is segmented with notches and perforations that create predetermined failure planes. These segments allow the band to split cleanly when subjected to bursting forces, enabling pipe replacement while maintaining secure holding during normal operation. The segmentation transforms the band from a monolithic structure into a controlled-failure structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches and perforations are pre-formed in the band during manufacturing, creating predetermined weak points before the pipe needs to be replaced. This preliminary action ensures that when bursting forces are applied, the band will fail in a controlled manner along these pre-defined paths rather than randomly, enabling seamless pipe replacement.
2Strength
If the clamp is made strong to hold the pipe securely, then clamping force is sufficient, but the clamp cannot fail when needed for pipe bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The band exhibits different mechanical properties at different locations: the majority of the band material maintains high strength for secure clamping, while specific localized regions (notches and perforations) are designed with reduced strength to create controlled failure points. This local quality differentiation allows the band to be both strong overall and capable of controlled failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical parameters of the band are changed locally through the notches and perforations. These features reduce the cross-sectional area and create stress concentration points, fundamentally altering the strength parameters in those specific regions while leaving the rest of the band intact and strong for normal clamping operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the band material is rigid to maintain clamp shape, then structural integrity is maintained, but the band cannot bend around pipes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The band transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic system that can adapt its shape. The notches and perforations enable the band to bend and deform in controlled ways during installation and pipe replacement, while maintaining overall structural stability when clamped. This dynamic capability allows the band to conform to pipes during installation yet remain stable during service.
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
Enables the pipe to be replaced efficiently via trenchless pipe bursting by allowing the clamp to split and accommodate the bursting head, preventing obstruction and ensuring a smooth replacement process.
Implementation Method 1
The band has a weakened region which extends between the pair of lateral edges and which is configured to fail when a sufficient tension force is applied to the band transverse to the weakened region
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway pipe clamp assembly for clamping a pipe while permitting the pipe to be replaced via a pipe bursting process includes a band which comprises a bendable material. The band has a first end and a second end, and a pair of lateral edges of the band extends between the first and second ends. The band has a weakened region which extends between the pair of lateral edges and which is configured to fail when a sufficient tension force is applied to the band transverse to the weakened region. A tightening mechanism is mounted to the band and is configured to selectively draw the first and second ends of the band toward each other.