Cable Insertion Device with Divertable Head for Pipe Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion devices for cables in pipe networks struggle to navigate through bends and T-junctions without requiring costly excavation, as they are not designed to handle smaller radii bends and T-junctions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A head part with a base body that can be controlled to change direction, equipped with a linear drive, guide elements, a light source, and a camera, allowing the device to navigate through bends and T-junctions by diverting the flexible element in the correct direction, enabling the cable to be pulled into the desired pipe section without exposing the pipe network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a longitudinally stable flexible element is used for cable insertion in pipe networks, then the device can be pushed through straight pipe regions, but it cannot effectively navigate through bends with smaller radii or T-junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The head part is designed with a turning mechanism that enables dynamic directional changes. The base body can be actively rotated and diverted using linear drives and pulling elements, transforming the previously static flexible element into a dynamically controllable system that can navigate complex pipe geometries including bends and T-junctions without excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is segmented into distinct functional components: a longitudinally stable flexible element for pushing, a divertable head part with turning mechanism for navigation, and pulling elements for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to solve the navigation problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rod with spherical thickening is added to the flexible element, then narrower bends can be passed through, but T-junctions still cannot be navigated and excavation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The head part serves multiple functions: it acts as a turning mechanism for directional changes, a pushing interface for the flexible element, and a mounting platform for light sources and cameras. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering comprehensive navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical passive bending (spherical thickening) with an active mechanical control system featuring linear drives, pulling elements, and a turning mechanism. This substitution provides precise directional control and enables navigation through T-junctions, outweighing the increased device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the head part is made divertable with linear drives, then controlled direction changes are possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head part incorporates linear drives that enable dynamic adjustment of the base body position relative to the flexible element. This dynamic control system allows operators to actively steer the device through bends and T-junctions by actuating the linear drives, providing controlled diversion capability that outweighs the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body acts as an intermediary component between the flexible element and the linear drives. It translates the linear motion from the drives into directional changes of the entire insertion device, mediating between the control system and the navigation function while managing the complexity of the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion device for a cable in an existing pipe network includes a longitudinally stable flexible element that can be inserted into a pipe region of the pipe network, and on which a head part can be placed. The head part can be diverted to pass through regions of bends of the pipe. Placed on the flexible element is a coupling part to which coupling part the cable to be pulled can be coupled. The head part includes a base body having an elongated shape, which can be led from a stretched position into a bent position. The base body includes guide elements by which at least one pulling element is guided that is spaced apart from the bending axis of the base body. One end of the pulling element is held at one end region of the base body, whereas the other end is held at a drivable linear drive that is attached at the other end region of the base body. Disposed at the end region, remote from the flexible element, of the head part are a light source and a camera. With this device, bends, elbows, and branches in an existing pipe network can be passed through in the desired direction without a problem.