Cavity Rehabilitation Packer for Curved Pipe Renovation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renovation packers are unable to effectively navigate curved pipes and efficiently handle liquids within pipes during the renovation process, as they lack the necessary flexibility and fluid management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A renovation packer with an elastic base body that can be expanded by a flowable medium, featuring a longitudinal opening for substance removal and application of renovation materials, and a valve system for controlled air supply, allowing it to be guided through curved pipes and apply resin or mats to damaged areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the packer uses a rigid central tube to maintain structural integrity during expansion, then the structural stability is improved, but the flexibility to navigate curved pipes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packer is divided into multiple independent segments or bellows sections that can flex relative to each other. This segmentation allows the packer to bend and conform to curved pipe geometries while each segment maintains its structural integrity during expansion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer employs flexible bellows structures and thin-walled components that can bend and deform to navigate curved pipes. These flexible elements replace rigid central tubes while maintaining the ability to expand radially when pressurized, thus achieving both flexibility for navigation and structural stability during operation.
2Stress or pressure
If the packer uses a completely enclosed structure to contain expansion pressure, then the pressure containment is improved, but the ability to remove liquids and apply renovation materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed structure is segmented into multiple chambers or sections separated by bellows. This segmentation allows pressure to be contained within each chamber while providing discrete pathways for liquid removal and renovation material application at different locations along the packer length.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure acts as an intermediary element that transmits expansion pressure from the inflation source to the outer surface while maintaining enclosed pressure containment. Simultaneously, the bellows folds and expansions create channels that facilitate liquid removal and renovation material application without compromising pressure containment.
3Force
If the packer expands radially to apply renovation materials to the pipe surface, then the contact pressure with the pipe is improved, but the flexibility to navigate curved pipes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The packer body is segmented into multiple expandable sections that can independently contact the pipe surface. This segmentation allows each section to exert radial contact pressure for renovation material application while the segments themselves can flex and bend to follow curved pipe geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer transitions from a flexible bent state during navigation to an expanded rigid state during renovation operations. When inflated, the bellows sections expand radially to create firm contact pressure with the pipe surface for effective material application, while the segmented structure maintains the ability to conform to curved geometries.
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 efficient navigation through curved pipes and effective removal of liquids, allowing for thorough renovation by applying renovation materials directly to damaged areas, restoring functionality while being flexible and capable of handling substances within the pipes.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic base body (2) which can be expanded at least section by being supplied with a flowable medium
Implementation Method 2
The base body (2) can be expanded in a controlled manner in a longitudinal direction (L) by being supplied with a flowable medium, in particular by being pressurised with compressed air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Rehabilitation packer (1) for at least partially rehabilitating elements, and in particular pipes, with an elastic base body (2) which is expandable at least section by being supplied with a flowable medium, wherein the elastic base body extends in a predetermined longitudinal direction (L) and wherein the base body (2) has an outer surface which also extends in the longitudinal direction (L) and which is preferably able to be brought into contact with the element to be rehabilitated at least in a central area (B) arranged in this longitudinal direction (L). According to the invention, the rehabilitation packer has an opening (6) which extends at least section by section within the elastic base body (2) in the longitudinal direction (L).