Concentric Pipe Scraper for Simultaneous Dual-Pipe Surface Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe scraping devices are unsuitable for systems with both primary and secondary pipes, leading to inconsistent and weak joints due to manual scraping, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in critical applications like fuel delivery systems where leak prevention is essential.
Innovation Solution
A pipe scraper design that accommodates both primary and secondary pipes with concentric scraper tools and a drive cone mechanism, allowing for simultaneous scraping of both pipes using a single device, reducing the need for multiple tools and improving joint consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single pipe scraper is used for both primary and secondary pipes, then tool management complexity is reduced and scraping time is decreased, but existing scrapers cannot accommodate both pipe sizes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe scraper is divided into two independent scraper tool assemblies: a first scraper tool assembly for the primary pipe and a second scraper tool assembly for the secondary pipe. Each assembly can be independently positioned and adjusted to accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing both pipes to be scraped simultaneously without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper tools are positioned at different radial distances from the center axis of the bore. The first scraper tool is positioned at a first radial distance to contact the primary pipe, while the second scraper tool is positioned at a second radial distance to contact the secondary pipe. This radial dimensionality allows both pipes to be scraped simultaneously despite their different sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual scraping is used for pipes in confined spaces, then tool compatibility issues are avoided, but scraping consistency deteriorates and joint strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper tools are configured to automatically advance along the pipes as the housing rotates. The scraping action is self-regulating, with the tools maintaining consistent contact with the pipe surfaces through their mechanical design, eliminating the inconsistency of manual scraping while remaining compatible with confined dual-pipe spaces
3Manufacturing precision
If separate scraping tools are used for primary and secondary pipes, then each pipe can be scraped appropriately, but device complexity increases and two separate operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate scraper tool assemblies are merged into a single housing structure that rotates together. The first scraper tool assembly and second scraper tool assembly are both secured to the same housing, allowing both pipes to be scraped in a single simultaneous operation rather than requiring two separate tools and operations
Solution Approach 2:
The single pipe scraper housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it houses both the first scraper tool for the primary pipe and the second scraper tool for the secondary pipe. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tools while maintaining appropriate scraping quality for both pipe types
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 solution enables efficient, consistent scraping of both primary and secondary pipes, reducing the time and cost associated with tool management and enhancing the reliability of leak-free joints in piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first scraper tool is configured so that rotation of the member will cause the first scraper tool to scrape portions of a pipe that are in contact with the first scraper tool, and wherein the second scraper tool is configured so that rotation of the member will cause the second scraper tool to scrape portions of a pipe that are in contact with the second scraper tool
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe scraper (1) comprising: a housing (2) comprising a bore (21) having a centre axis and an open end (24) that allows access to the bore (21), the bore (21) being shaped to receive into its open end (24) at least a portion of each of two pipes (19, 20) of an assembly of two concentric pipes (19, 20), wherein the assembly of two concentric pipes (19, 20) comprises a pipe (19) having a smaller diameter, and a pipe (20) having a larger diameter, and the end of the pipe (20) having the larger diameter is separated from the end of the pipe (19) having the smaller diameter by a distance along the central axis of the assembly; a first scraper tool assembly 9, 10, 11, 16) secured to the housing (2), configured to urge a first scraper tool (9) radially inwards, and positioned at a first radial distance from the centre axis of the bore (21), and at a first axial distance from the open end (24) of the bore (21); a second scraper tool assembly (13, 14, 15, 17) secured to the housing (2), configured to urge a second scraper tool (13) radially inwards, and positioned at a second radial distance from the centre axis of the bore (21), and at a second axial distance from the open end (24) of the bore (21), wherein the first radial distance is smaller than the second radial distance, and the first axial distance is larger than the second axial distance; and a transmission means (4) to allow torque to be delivered to the housing (2) to cause rotation of the housing (2) about the centre axis of the bore (21); wherein the first scraper tool (9) is configured so that rotation of the housing (2) will cause the first scraper tool (9) to scrape portions of a pipe (20) that are in contact with the first scraper tool (9), and wherein the second scraper tool (13) is configured so that rotation of the housing (2) will cause the second scraper tool (13) to scrape portions of a pipe (19) that are in contact with the second scraper tool (13).