Cable Guide Frame With Curved Pulley Path for Small Exit Pits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trenchless pipe replacement, particularly for large quantities of high density polyethylene (HDPE) gas pipes, faces challenges in minimizing the size of entry and exit pits due to limited space for operating cutting tooling.
Innovation Solution
A pipe replacement system that includes a cable pulling system with a winch configuration and a cable guide frame with adjustable boom length and guide pulleys, allowing for a large radius curved path to facilitate the transition of a pipe breaking tool and new pipe from the ground to the cable guide frame, where it can be easily accessed and removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If trenchless pipe replacement is performed in small entry and exit pits, then the need for extensive trenching is minimized, but the space available for operating cutting tooling is severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide frame creates a three-dimensional workspace above the exit pit by extending booms horizontally and positioning guide pulleys at elevated locations. This vertical dimensionality change allows cutting tools to be operated from above ground level rather than being constrained within the limited horizontal space of the small exit pit, thereby resolving the contradiction between minimizing trenches and maintaining adequate operational space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide frame acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the cable pulling system and the pipe breaking tool. It provides a stable mounting platform for guide pulleys and cutting tools, enabling operators to work from a position above the small exit pit rather than being forced to operate directly within the confined pit space, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing trenching.
2Ease of operation
If a cable pulling system is used to pull the pipe breaking tool through the pipe, then trenchless replacement is enabled, but the cable may kink or the tool may be damaged during transition from ground to cable guide frame
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pulleys are positioned to create a smooth curved path that transitions the cable from horizontal ground level to the elevated cable guide frame. This curved geometry eliminates sharp angles and abrupt directional changes that would cause cable kinking, thereby maintaining cable and tool integrity while enabling trenchless replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide frame and guide pulleys are pre-positioned and secured to stable structures (such as manhole covers or adjacent pipes) before the pipe breaking tool is pulled through. This preliminary setup ensures that the cable has a predetermined smooth path to follow, preventing kinking and damage during the transition from ground to frame level.
3Area of stationary object
If the cable guide frame is positioned close to the exit pit to minimize space, then the setup is more compact, but the pipe breaking tool and new pipe are difficult to access and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide frame incorporates adjustable boom sections that can be extended or repositioned to optimize the working distance from the exit pit. This dynamic adjustability allows the frame to maintain a compact footprint while still providing adequate clearance for operators to access and remove the pipe breaking tool and new pipe sections after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide frame is divided into modular components including separate boom sections and independently positioned guide pulleys. This segmentation allows the various elements to be configured to provide optimal access to the exit pit while keeping the overall structure compact, enabling both space efficiency and tool accessibility.
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 system enables efficient pipe replacement by allowing the pipe breaking tool to transition smoothly without kinking the cable or damaging the tool, and facilitates easy access and removal of the tool from the exit pit, thereby reducing operational challenges in small pits.
Implementation Method 1
The curved path allows the pipe breaking tool to easily transition from the ground to the cable guide frame without kinking the cable or damaging the pipe breaking tool
Implementation Method 2
The pulleys guide the cable through a large radius curved path, changing its orientation from horizontal to vertical
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.