Internal CIPP End Cap Roller Assembly for Tight-Space Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CIPP liner installation systems require a significant protrusion of the directional roller apparatus beyond the end cap, leading to interference with underground structures and limited flexibility in tight spaces, necessitating an improved solution for sealing operations.
Innovation Solution
A compact CIPP end cap internal roller apparatus with a housing and roller assembly featuring arcuate brackets and a grommet seal, allowing for adjustable exit angles and reduced lateral space usage, enabling easier installation and operation in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional directional roller apparatus is attached to the end cap, then cables or ropes can be smoothly transitioned from parallel to perpendicular direction, but the roller apparatus must protrude some distance beyond the face of the end cap, resulting in interference with underground structures or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is nested within the end cap housing, with rollers positioned inside the confined space of the end cap rather than protruding outward. This allows the cable transition function to be achieved while maintaining a compact profile that does not interfere with underground structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the cable direction change from a conventional external protruding roller to an internal arrangement where cables pass through the end cap face and are redirected by rollers positioned within the end cap's internal volume, effectively utilizing the third dimension (depth of end cap) to achieve the direction change without increasing lateral protrusion
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional roller apparatus protrudes beyond the end cap face, then cable direction change is achieved, but lateral space is consumed which limits flexibility in tight installation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is nested within the end cap housing, utilizing the internal volume of the end cap to house the cable redirection mechanism. This eliminates the need for additional lateral space while maintaining the ability to transition cables between parallel and perpendicular directions
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly is designed to be adjustable within the end cap, allowing operators to configure the exit angle of cables according to specific installation requirements. This dynamic adjustability enhances versatility in tight spaces without requiring fixed protrusions
3Area of stationary object
If the roller assembly is positioned internally within the end cap, then minimal lateral space is required, but the roller assembly must be precisely configured to ensure proper cable passage and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural seal for the pipe end, houses the roller assembly for cable redirection, and incorporates the roller mounting mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall configuration despite the internal positioning of the roller assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that contains and positions the roller assembly within the end cap. It provides mounting surfaces, structural support, and integration with the sealing system, thereby managing the complexity of internal roller configuration through a well-designed intermediate component
Data Source
AI summary
A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) end cap internal roller apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus can include a housing having an opening, wherein the housing can further include an interior space. In addition, the apparatus can include a roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly is at least partially disposed within the interior space of the housing and at least partially disposed through the opening of the housing. Further, the apparatus may include a grommet seal coupled to an upper region or side region of the housing, wherein the seal includes an opening. Further, the opening of the grommet seal may be at least partially aligned with the roller assembly. The roller assembly may further include a plurality of rollers or rotatable members secured between a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and second bracket each include an at least partial arcuate configuration.