Concrete Drain Liner Branch Assembly for Complex Pipe Repairs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for repairing concrete drains, such as pipe lining and renovation drains, face challenges including unsuitable liner members for complex pipe connections, high manual labor costs, and the need for custom-made liners for different drain configurations, which are uneconomical.

Innovation Solution

A renovation drain system comprising a liner member with a bushing and collar that adheres to the liner, allowing easy assembly and adherence to pipes, and a bushing that retains its shape to couple with a renovation drain or cleaning cap, reducing manual labor and the need for custom liners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a renovation drain is assembled inside a concrete drain with complex pipe connections, then the repair can be performed, but ordinary liner members are not suitable and custom-made liners are needed which are uneconomical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for complex pipe connectionsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The liner member is divided into multiple branches (first branch for inlet pipe, second branch for outlet pipe, third branch for renovation drain connection) that can be configured to match different pipe arrangements. This segmentation allows a single standardized liner design to adapt to various connection configurations without requiring custom-made liners for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liner member is designed with multiple branches that can serve different functions depending on configuration - connecting to inlet pipes, outlet pipes, and renovation drains. This multi-functional design allows one standardized component to replace multiple custom-made liners, making the solution universally applicable to various concrete drain configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional pipe lining or renovation drain methods are used, then concrete drains can be repaired, but manual labor costs are high and assembly is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair effectivenessVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liner member combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated component that can simultaneously connect to inlet pipes, outlet pipes, and renovation drains. This merging of functions into one assembly reduces the number of separate components and manual assembly steps required, simplifying the overall repair process while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The liner member acts as an intermediary component that bridges the connection between existing concrete drain pipes and the renovation drain. This mediator component facilitates the connection without requiring complex custom fabrication or multiple separate assembly operations, reducing manual labor while ensuring reliable water flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If concrete drains are repaired with different configurations, then various liner members are needed, but manufacturing custom liners for each configuration is very uneconomical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different drain configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing economy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The liner member is segmented into standardized branches that can be configured in different arrangements to match various pipe configurations. This segmentation allows a single standardized manufacturing process to produce liners that can adapt to multiple drain configurations without requiring custom fabrication for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liner member is designed as a universal component with multiple branches that can accommodate different inlet and outlet pipe configurations. This universal design enables one standardized liner type to serve multiple drainage configurations, eliminating the need for expensive custom-made liners while maintaining full adaptability to different site requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system simplifies the repair process by reducing manual labor and enabling efficient adherence to various pipe configurations, making it more economical and effective for repairing concrete drains.

Implementation Method 1

The liner is impregnated with an impregnating compound including epoxy or some other type of resin. After hardening of the compound the liner forms a durable lining inside the concrete drain.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3693647B1Renovation drain system for repairing concrete drain
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 HAMALAINEN SAMI
  • EP3693647B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3693647B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3693647B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

Renovation drains and liner members are used for repairing sewer drains, storm drains, and other drains made of concrete. The invention concerns a renovation drain system comprising a liner member (100) for repairing a concrete drain. The liner member (100) includes liner (101) to be prepared with impregnating compound, a first branch (102) intended to extend into a concrete drain inlet pipe, and a second branch (103) intended to extend into an outlet pipe. The liner (101) has a liner hole (104) between the first branch (102) and the second branch (103). The liner member (100) further comprises a bushing (105) retaining its shape, and a collar (106) for attaching the bushing to the liner (101) such that the bushing operates as a third branch of a liner member (100). The liner hole (104) is located at the bushing (105) and forms with the bushing an inlet (107) from a renovation drain (202) into the liner member (100), and the collar (106) adheres around the liner hole (104) to the liner member.