Cable Guide Frame With Curved Pulleys for Small Pit Pipe Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trenchless pipe replacement, particularly for large diameter HDPE gas pipes, faces challenges in minimizing the size of entry and exit pits due to space constraints, making it difficult to operate cutting tooling and manage the transition of pipe breaking tools and new pipes in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A cable pulling system with a large radius curved path and adjustable guide pulleys, combined with a stationary splitter, allows for smooth transition and access of pipe breaking tools, reducing damage and enabling efficient pipe replacement by guiding the tools and new pipes through a series of guide pulleys and a stationary splitter to prevent jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of entry and exit pits is minimized for trenchless pipe replacement, then the amount of excavation is reduced, but the space available to operate cutting tooling becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by using an overhead crane system to lower cutting tools into the pit and retrieve them afterward. This eliminates the need for horizontal maneuvering space within the pit, allowing the same small pit area to accommodate tool operations through vertical access and egress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an overhead crane as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the space between the ground level and the pit interior. The crane lowers cutting tools into the confined pit space, performs cutting operations, and retrieves the tools without requiring the pit itself to expand in horizontal dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If the pit size is minimized, then excavation work is reduced, but the transition of pipe breaking tools and new pipes becomes difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead crane serves as a mediator that facilitates the transition of pipe breaking tools and new pipes between the ground level and the confined pit space. This intermediary mechanism organizes the complex transition process by providing a controlled vertical pathway, reducing the overall system complexity despite the confined space.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the vertical dimension through the overhead crane system, the patent enables smooth transition of tools and pipes without requiring expanded horizontal space. The vertical access pathway simplifies the management of tool transitions compared to attempting to maneuver equipment within limited horizontal pit space.
3Area of stationary object
If cutting tooling operates in small pits, then excavation is minimized, but the risk of tool damage increases due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead crane acts as a protective intermediary that carefully lowers and retrieves cutting tools from the confined pit space. This controlled vertical transportation minimizes the risk of tool damage during entry and exit operations, preserving tool integrity despite the constrained pit environment.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning tool operations from horizontal maneuvering within the pit to vertical lower-and-retrieve operations via overhead crane, the patent reduces tool exposure to potential damage sources such as lateral movements, ground contact, and constrained positioning within the small pit space.
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 facilitates easier operation in small pits by minimizing tool damage and ensuring smooth pipe replacement, allowing for longer pulling distances and reducing operational complexity, thus enhancing the efficiency of trenchless pipe replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
The cable pulling system includes a series of guide pulleys that define a large radius curved path
Implementation Method 2
A cable pulling system with a large radius curved path and adjustable guide pulleys, combined with a stationary splitter, allows for smooth transition and access of pipe breaking tools
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.