Concave Buoyant Device for Slurry Pipe Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Slurry pipes require added buoyancy to maintain the upper end near or above the liquid surface, but existing solutions are complex to install and do not effectively complement the outer radius of the pipe.

Innovation Solution

A buoyant device with an elongated portion and concaved section that complements the outer radius of the slurry pipe, attached via straps to ensure secure and stable positioning, utilizing foam material for buoyancy and metallic or plastic materials for durability in marine environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing buoyant devices are used on slurry pipes, then buoyancy is provided to maintain the upper end near the surface, but the installation process becomes complex and the device does not effectively complement the outer radius of the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuoyancy maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyant device is divided into multiple separate buoyant elements that can be independently attached to the slurry pipe. Each buoyant element is a discrete component that can be separately installed, rather than requiring a complex integrated structure. This segmentation simplifies the installation process while maintaining the required buoyancy function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buoyant device incorporates a concaved section that receives and mates with a portion of the outer surface of the slurry pipe, creating a nested configuration. The buoyant element is partially inserted into or around the pipe, with the concaved section fitting over the outer radius of the pipe. This nesting approach simplifies installation by providing a straightforward attachment mechanism while ensuring proper positioning and complementing the pipe's outer geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If existing buoyant devices are used on slurry pipes, then buoyancy is provided, but the installation process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuoyancy maintenanceVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyant device is divided into multiple separate buoyant elements that can be independently attached to the slurry pipe. Each buoyant element is a discrete component that can be separately installed, rather than requiring a complex integrated structure. This segmentation simplifies the installation process while maintaining the required buoyancy function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The buoyant device incorporates a concaved section that receives and mates with a portion of the outer surface of the slurry pipe, creating a nested configuration. The buoyant element is partially inserted into or around the pipe, with the concaved section fitting over the outer radius of the pipe. This nesting approach simplifies installation by providing a straightforward attachment mechanism while ensuring proper positioning and complementing the pipe's outer geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the buoyant device does not complement the outer radius of the pipe, then installation is simplified, but the device cannot effectively maintain positioning and prevent rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidpositioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyant device incorporates a concaved section that receives and mates with a portion of the outer surface of the slurry pipe, creating a nested configuration. The buoyant element is partially inserted into or around the pipe, with the concaved section fitting over the outer radius of the pipe. This nesting approach simplifies installation by providing a straightforward attachment mechanism while ensuring proper positioning and complementing the pipe's outer geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The concaved section of the buoyant device is designed with an asymmetric geometry that complements the circular outer radius of the slurry pipe. The concave shape matches the curvature of the pipe surface, creating a secure fit that prevents rotation and maintains stable positioning. This asymmetric design ensures that the buoyant device is properly oriented and cannot rotate freely, while still allowing for easy installation through the nested configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 buoyant device provides simple and effective installation, maintaining the upper end of the slurry pipe near the surface while preventing rotation and longitudinal movement, ensuring efficient slurry transportation.

Implementation Method 1

the buoyant device as an outer surface portion that complements an outer radius of a slurry pipe with the buoyant device attached to the slurry pipe... provides simple and effective installation, maintaining the upper end of the slurry pipe near the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11834910B2Float apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 EDDY PUMP CORP
  • US11834910B2 patent drawing
  • US11834910B2 patent drawing
  • US11834910B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A float apparatus includes a buoyant device that has an outer surface with a first end portion, a second end portion and an elongated portion. The elongated portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion. The buoyant device is shaped and configured to attach to a conduit. The elongated portion of the outer surface has a concaved section that extends from the first end portion to the second end, portion. The concaved section has a shape that complements an cuter radius of the conduit with the buoyant device attached to the conduit.